The SA Hockey Men marked their return to KwaZulu-Natal with a 3-1 victory over Malaysia and will look to carry that momentum into tonight’s second Test.
Durban, South Africa (07 July 2026) – South Africa’s Hockey Men made a winning return to KwaZulu-Natal on Monday night, kicking off their five-match Test series against Malaysia with a confident victory at Riverside Sports Club. It was also the national team’s first Test match in the province since 2020.
With just one place separating the two nations in the world rankings, the series is expected to provide valuable preparation ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup in August, and the opening encounter certainly delivered an entertaining contest.
After a closely fought first quarter where neither side could find the breakthrough, South Africa struck first in the second period. Carlon Mentoor reacted quickest after a penalty corner to put the hosts in front before Luke Wynford doubled the advantage with his first international goal, finishing off a slick counterattack.
The home crowd had plenty to cheer about, and the atmosphere only grew louder as the South Africans continued to build momentum. Captain Dayaan Cassiem added a third with a superb reverse-stick finish in the third quarter, giving the hosts a comfortable cushion before Malaysia pulled one goal back late in the match from a penalty corner.
Solid defensive work throughout the contest helped South Africa see out a 3-1 victory, giving the hosts the perfect start to the series.
The two teams meet again in the second Test at 18:00 today, as South Africa looks to build on its winning start.
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