South African Hockey Men in Ipoh, Malaysia to take part in the 29th Azlan Shah Cup

The South African Hockey Men are in Ipoh in Malaysia to take part in the 29th Azlan Shah Cup. The tournament was founded in 1983 and has taken part in Ipoh every occurrence since 2007. This is the first tournament since 2019 after the 2020 and 2021 editions were lost as a result of the global pandemic.

The South African Hockey Men enter the tournament as the third ranked side behind Malaysia and Korea, with Japan, Pakistan and African rivals Egypt making up the six participating sides.

For the South African Men, it’s an opportunity to test the depth of the system as a number of players will have their first international action, while the likes of Le-Neal Jackson, Mo Mea and Connor Beauchamp will be called to be the senior players in the squad for the first time. With the FIH Hockey World Cup on the horizon it’s a great opportunity for players to make a statement for possible inclusion.

Matt de Sousa will lead the country for the first time in his career as he has been appointed as captain for the series. De Sousa, one of the standout players for South Africa during the FIH Pro League will love the opportunity.

South Africa open their campaign against Pakistan today before the All-African Affair against Egypt tomorrow. After a rest day they will play the hosts, Malaysia followed by Japan and then Korea. The Final is on the 10th of November.

The games will not be broadcast or streamed. Updates will be posted on the SA Hockey social media channels.