South Africa’s men’s and women’s hockey teams hit the turf running at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, kicking off their title defences in style as they chase continental glory once again
Ismailia, Egypt (14 October 2025) – After months of preparation, both of South Africa’s national hockey sides have touched down in Ismailia, Egypt, with intentions of bringing the Africa Cup of Nations trophy home.
Back in August, the South African Hockey Association unveiled the men’s and women’s squads tasked with flying the flag at the continent’s biggest tournament. Since then, it’s been all training camps and fine-tuning every detail before the tournament. Now, with the action officially underway, they have wasted no time reminding everyone why they remain the teams to beat.
For the women’s team, it was a statement start. South Africa swept past hosts Egypt, sealing a commanding 10–0 victory. Thati Zulu opened the scoring within minutes, with a wave of goals following from across the park. Each goal shows the depth that has defined this dominant team.
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For head coach Inky Zondi, whose side arrives as seven-time consecutive African champions, the goal is to make it eight.
“This squad is ready. They understand the legacy they carry, and they’re hungry to write the next chapter of it.”
The men’s side wasted no time keeping that energy alive! Opening their title defence with a 3–1 victory over Kenya. Captain Dayaan Cassiem and his teammates have their eyes firmly set on another crown, their ninth overall and a repeat of their 2017 triumph in the same Egyptian city.
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For both squads, with each passing fixture, they edge closer to turning that legacy into yet another chapter of African hockey history.
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