With less than 24 hours to go to the inaugural FIH Hockey Nations Cup, the coaches of all teams have spoken exclusively to FIH.hockey to express their expectations:
Cheslyn Gie, Interim Head Coach (RSA)
"As always our team's objective is to make the knockout stages. We have shown in the past couple of years we can compete in the big games against the best nations and we want to do that in front of our home fans. We are a team in a transitional phase as a number of players are not available and our depth will be tested, but we believe the players who are given the opportunity will step up for our country. I am honoured at the opportunity to lead the team at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup."
Patrick Tshutshani, Head Coach (CAN)
“The on-field and off-field chemistry will be key in our development steps moving forward. The key steps for us will be how we connect as a team, and how we want to play the game. The Nations Cup brings great competition, and I look forward to how we apply ourselves in pressure moments.”
Fred Soyez, Head Coach (FRA)
“This is a very important tournament for us with two big objectives: the qualification for the next FIH Hockey Pro League and the preparation for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup. The team is very excited to play again in Potchefstroom and ready to start the competition.”
Mark Tumilty, Head Coach (IRL)
“We are looking forward to the challenge of the inaugural Nations Cup. We expect it to be a very competitive tournament with all teams evenly matched. We will need to be at our best to give us a chance to progress in the tournament.”
Arul Anthoni (MAS)
“We hope to make defensive improvements after the Azlan Shah Cup, have a better outcome in attacking and play the Final to improve our world ranking.”
Akira Takahashi (JPN)
“If we win this tournament, we can join the FIH Hockey Pro League next year. So that is our objective. Furthermore, we’re back in the World Cup – which we missed for the last three consecutive editions - so we want to use this tournament also to prepare well for the upcoming World Cup.”
Shin Seok Kyo (KOR)
“This tournament enables to reach the FIH Hockey Pro League, where you have the highest possible level. Our team is strong. We’re hoping for the top four, and targeting to reach the final. We will play to our best, also to prepare for the World Cup.”
Siegfried Aikman (PAK)
“We expect to be competitive in every match. We play only western teams - South Africa, Ireland and France – in the group stage and they play a different style of hockey than Asian teams. Our new team didn't play any match against western teams yet, so that will be our challenge. But all teams are fairly near in the world rankings.”
To see the complete FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup South Africa 2022 match schedule, please click here.
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