While South Africa lost 6-1 to Germany in the semi-finals at the Zatika Sports Centre in Porec on Saturday, they bounced back on Sunday with a 6-5 win against Belgium in the bronze final.

South Africa’s stalwart Mustaphaa Cassiem scored a hat-trick of goals, while his brother and captain, Dayaan Cassiem, scored a brace, and Hans Neethling also got in on the action.

Mustaphaa Cassiem. Photo: FIH

In the final quarter of the match, South Africa managed to go 6-3 up with goals by both Cassiem brothers early in the 15-minute period. However, the Belgians fought back with goals by Gaetan Dykmans and Maximillian Langer. It was, however, too little too late.

Over the years, the South African men have endured many heartbreaking moments in the sport, both indoor and field hockey, and for them to win a medal was mission accomplished. Their aim was to medal at the World Cup, and the skipper, Cassiem, said this meant the world to them.

“It means so much to us – at the beginning of the tour, we weren’t sure about funding or anything,” said Cassiem.

“And you know what we said? It doesn’t matter about money or anything. We’re going to come here and make sure that we make the country proud. It was just unbelievable today, and exactly what you said, Jethro, the bus at the back – the bus is always full, and credit to every single person in our team who added so much value, to the management staff, to the people who are supporting us.

Dayaan Cassiem and Hans Neethling. Photo: FIH

“I’m really grateful for you guys – hopefully, we made you guys happy. I think it’s unbelievable, man. And yeah, like I said, thank you to the crowd. Thank you to everyone back in South Africa who backed us all the way.”

To further sweeten the deal for Mustaphaa Cassiem, he was named Player of the World Cup for his 17 goals in the tournament.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg