Field Hockey returns to the African Games for the first time since Nigeria in 2003. The competition, a non-olympic qualifier will see the best African nations battle it out for the bragging rights. In 2003 it was the Egyptians who earned the gold medal defeating South Africa 3-2 in the final after extra time. That result saw Egypt qualify directly for the 2004 Olympics but South Africa would join them through the FIH Olympic Qualifiers.
With Olympic qualifying for 2024 already complete the tournament this time offers an opportunity for the South Africans to extend their depth and expose them to the challenge of International hockey.
The team announced today by SASCOC features seven uncapped players. Angelo Walstroom and Brendan du Toit have represented the country in the Hockey5s format, while Dalpiarro Langford is an established member of the SA Indoor Hockey team. Other debutants included Elrich Jacobs, Kamva Dyakala, Ryan Mann and Tevin Petersen.
Connor Beauchamp is the most experienced member of the squad alongside Sihle Ngubane, Jacques van Tonder and Clayton Saker. All will be hoping to impress Cheslin Gie and work their way into the final squad for the Paris Olympics and the FIH Nations Cup.
The full schedule will be shared on SA Hockey media pages once available.
SA Mens Squad – 2023 African Games
Name | Caps | Name | Caps | Name | Caps |
Angelo Walstroom | 0 | Connor Beauchamp | 37 | Kamva Dyakala | 0 |
Brendan du Toit | 0 | Delpiarro Langford | 0 | Luthando Jonas | 8 |
Calvin Davis | 1 | Elrich Jacobs | 0 | Ryan Mann | 0 |
Cameron le Forestier | 6 | Hans Neethling | 2 | Senswesihle Ngubane | 24 |
Chad Futcher | 9 | Idrees Abdulla | 5 | Tevin Petersen | 0 |
Clayton Saker | 19 | Jacques Van Tonder | 21 | Zenani Kraai | 12 |
SA Mens Staff – 2023 African Games
Cheslyn Gie, Sihle Ntuli, Devon van der Merwe, Donavin George
Added team official: Miles Usher
by South Africa