Dayaan Cassiem is excited and confident as the South Africa players prepare to make their entrance into the FIH Hockey Pro League.
‘There is no point being nervous, that is when you make mistakes,’ said the 22-year-old midfielder as he and his team landed at Johannesburg airport on route to their training camp.
The 22-year-old player made his name when he and his team burst onto the international stage at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. The highlight of the South Africa team’s performances at those games was a 4-3 win over Germany. However, they also sounded warning shots when they scored four against the eventual winners, Belgium and matched Netherlands all the way in a 3-5 encounter.
Since then, South Africa has booked its place at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup, Bhubaneswar and Rourkela 2023 by virtue of victory at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The South Africa team’s entry into the FIH Hockey Pro League has come at just the right time for the team to continue the momentum they started in Tokyo.
How are you and the squad feeling as you prepare for your first set of matches in the FIH Hockey Pro League?
Dayaan Cassiem: Firstly we are grateful to be nominated to play in the FIH Hockey Pro League. We have worked hard, so this is a great opportunity. The guys are really excited so hopefully it will be a good experience.
How important is it for you to keep the momentum going that started in Tokyo at the Olympic Games?
Dayaan Cassiem: I think it is nice to play lots of international games. As you know, usually we only play games against other Africa nations such as Namibia but now we have the chance to play the top teams in the world, which will hopefully make us better. It is always nice to play the top teams in the world.
How will you fare against the higher ranked teams?
Dayaan Cassiem: Our goal is always to compete and that is something that is a big part of our game. We respect the other teams but anyone can make mistakes, everyone is human. So just go into the game giving 100 per cent and I am sure we will always do well.
What will the biggest learning points be for South Africa?
Dayaan Cassiem: It is always nice to learn from different countries. For example, when we play Germany they are well known for 1v1 hockey and their defensive work, so we will take something from that. Holland enjoy attacking, so we will take something from that. Also, when we play top players such as Arthur van Doren, you learn so much from them.
What are you expecting of your first matches against Netherlands, India and France?
Dayaan Cassiem: I think we will do well. We will compete in every game. The most important thing will be to take every opportunity. We will take it game by game.
What does it mean for South Africa to be hosting these matches?
Dayaan Cassiem: In South Africa rugby and football are big sports, so now hockey is going to be taking centre stage that is really nice.
