Phikolomzi Mbuqe: FIH Nations Cup will grow profile of hockey in the country

The prestigious international tournament will take place from 11 to 20 June at the iconic Hartleyvale Stadium in Observatory, Cape Town.

Mbuqe extended a warm welcome to the eight visiting nations, including the United States, Japan, Ireland and Scotland, as South Africa prepares to stage one of the sport’s premier events.

“South Africa is proud to host the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup. There are eight teams participating, and several of them will also feature at the Hockey World Cup. We welcome all of them to our beautiful country. The tournament is taking place at Hartleyvale Stadium in Observatory, Cape Town,” said Mbuqe.

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The Nations Cup serves as a crucial qualification pathway to the sport’s elite level, with the winning nation earning direct promotion to the FIH Pro League for the following season.

“We are expecting high-level competition because this is a qualifying tournament. We urge South Africans to come out in numbers, buy tickets and support the event,” added Mbuqe.

South Africa has been drawn in Pool B alongside France, Ireland and the United States.

South African Hockey President Deon Morgan described the tournament as a significant milestone for the sport in the country and expressed confidence in the national team’s ability to deliver on home soil.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for South Africans to experience international hockey at home and witness top-level performances. We want the hockey community, sports fans, families and young players to come out and support the tournament.

“If you can be at Hartleyvale, buy your tickets and be part of the live action. If you cannot be there, watch the matches free on SABC Plus and help us build the support this team and this sport deserves,” said Morgan.