South African Men’s Hockey Team Show Resilience Despite Challenging Nations Cup Campaign

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 20 June 2025

The South African Men’s Hockey Team wrapped up their FIH Nations Cup 2025 group campaign in Kuala Lumpur with moments of promise and resilience, but ultimately fell short of progressing to the latter stages of the competition. With a youthful squad featuring several debutants, the team faced a tough group and now shift focus to their final placement match against Japan for 7th/8th place.

Opening Drama Against Wales

The tournament began with a dramatic 4-4 draw against Wales, in what proved to be one of the most memorable matches of the group stage. Trailing 4-0 at halftime against a vastly more experienced Welsh side, the young South African squad mounted an extraordinary second-half comeback. Trevor de Lora and Angelo Walstroom sparked the fightback with third-quarter goals, before captain Sam Mvimbi converted a penalty stroke and Calvin Davis fired home the equaliser from a late penalty corner.

The match was a testament to South Africa’s fighting spirit and marked a promising start for several new caps, including Carlon Mentoor, Reuben Sendzul, Jaydon Brooker, Marvin Simons, and Jamie Seale, who all featured prominently.

Narrow Defeat in Thriller Against France

South Africa’s next outing against France was another spirited performance, albeit one that ended in a narrow 4-3 loss. Despite falling behind early to a penalty corner strike from French captain Victor Charlet, Jaydon Brooker responded with his maiden senior international goal. Charlet added two more and Etienne Esmenjaud stretched the French lead to 4-1.

Undeterred, South Africa rallied again in the final quarter. Marvin Simons marked his first international goal with a delicate deflection, and Brooker added a second to bring the game within reach. Despite a late push, the South Africans were unable to find the equaliser, with France clinging on to secure victory.

Slender Loss to Korea Ends Semi-Final Hopes

In a match South Africa had to win to remain in semi-final contention, they were narrowly edged 1-0 by Korea in a tightly contested encounter. Despite early pressure from the Koreans, South Africa’s defence held firm, anchored by a solid performance from Estiaan Kriek in goal.

The only goal of the match came from Korea’s fifth penalty corner, converted by Dohyun Lin. South Africa dominated possession in the second half and created a handful of chances, including a late effort from Jaydon Brooker that struck the post, but couldn’t find the equaliser. The result confirmed South Africa’s place in the 5–8 classification bracket.

Malaysia Capitalise in Classification Tie

In their first playoff fixture, South Africa faced hosts Malaysia and were defeated 4-2 in another match defined by fine margins. After a promising start, South Africa were unlucky not to take the lead as Calvin Davis and Sam Mvimbi both came close. Malaysia struck late in the first quarter to go up 1-0, but Angelo Walstroom levelled just before halftime following a defensive lapse.

Shafiq and Anuar extended Malaysia’s lead in the second half as South Africa struggled to contain their counterattacks. Carlon Mentoor pulled one back from a penalty corner, but Malaysia responded almost immediately to seal the win. Despite a strong late effort, South Africa could not break through the disciplined Malaysian defence.

Final Match Ahead Against Japan

South Africa will conclude their campaign on Saturday, 21 June, in the 7th/8th place playoff against Japan at 07:30 SA time. The match offers the side a final opportunity to end the tournament on a positive note and reward the determination they’ve shown throughout.