Dayaan Cassiem happy to start SA World Cup qualifiers on positive note

South Africa were due to face Zambia in their 2025 Men's Hockey Africa Cup of Nations campaign opener on Saturday, but the opponents failed to pitch in Ismailia, Egypt, resulting in a 5-0 walkover.

But getting their first taste of action in a 3-1 win over Kenya on Sunday was enough to settle the nerves after being taken aback by the Zambians' no-show.

"It is a bit frustrating because we had two training sessions before the tournament, and of course Zambia not arriving makes you feel a bit like, 'Oh my god, what are we doing here?'" said Cassiem.

"But then we played against Kenya and, I think, it wasn't our best performance, but the three points is always important against a team like Kenya, who are really fit and strong, and just runs a lot.

"So ja, I think, to be honest, everyone's in a good space and it's going well so far."

South Africa are seven time back-to-back defending champions of the AFCON, which counts as the official qualification tournament for next year's FIH Hockey World Cup co-hosted by Belgium and Netherlands.

Next up for the SA Men is a final-before-the-final against two-time African champions Egypt – runners-up in the last six AFCON editions, and Cassiem predicts an intense and dramatic encounter at Suez Canal Authority Stadium.

"I think it will be quite a big difference, to be honest. I think when Egypt always plays against South Africa, they come with more energy and their basics are really good," he added.

"And I think, of course, it's a North-South derby, if I could say that, because it's mostly always the final and there's always beef between the two.

"So I think it will be a really good match, and i think us, as the SA Men's team, we're really up for the challenge today, and we're really excited to give 100 percent to make sure we make the country proud."

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