SA's indoor hockey team prepares for thrilling FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025
As excitement builds for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025, South Africa’s indoor hockey team is gearing up for a week of high-octane action in Poreč, Croatia.
Scheduled to unfold from February 3 to 9, the tournament promises to be a dazzling display of skill and strategy, gathering elite teams from around the globe on a compact field bordered by boards—a format that is both thrilling and challenging.
In a competition featuring notable nations like Argentina, Australia, Belgium, and Germany, South Africa is set to make its mark alongside fellow African representative Namibia.
Keegan Hezlett, 27, a talented midfielder from Queensburgh, Durban, is preparing for his second stint at the Indoor World Cup.
He said he was super excited and looking forward to the tournament with hopes of bringing back a medal.
"It feels awesome. Feels just like the first time when I was selected. The build up and being back with the team is great.
"We stand a better chance of finishing higher up and even winning and getting a medal. Most of the players have had international exposure having played in leagues there. The level of preparation has been exceptional from the coaching staff to the players," he said.
Hezlett said he had concerns when he suffered an injury during a club league game and had not trained for four months.
"I didn't know where I stood, but the coaches had backed me and selected me," he said.
Hezlett, the director of hockey at Durban High School, participated in the 2023 Indoor World Cup in South Africa where they placed sixth and lost in the quarter finals to the Netherlands.
"That was the highest finish that we ever had as a country," he said.
Hezlett and his team, who are in a training camp in Johannesburg, will leave for Croatia on Monday where they will participate in three warm-up games before taking on the host nation in their opening match on February 3.
Team SA won the Nkosi Cup in December when they competed against Namibia, Ireland and New Zealand.
South Africa and Namibia are representing Africa at the world cup.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE