Cassiem brothers help SA secure FIH Hockey Pro League spot in Potch

South Africa has secured their qualification for next year's FIH Hockey Pro League following their Nations Cup title victory over Ireland in Potchefstroom this past weekend.

The Cassiem brothers helped South Africa defeat Ireland 4-3 in a closely fought encounter final at the North West University.

Dayaan Cassiem and Ireland's Shane O'Donoghue scored a brace, while South Africa's Tevin Kok and John McKee piled on the pressure with a late equaliser.

A winning penalty stroke, scored by younger brother Mustaphaa, who calmly slotted the ball past David Fitzgerald to help seal a historic win for South Africa in the final quarter.

Ireland threw everything they had in search of an equaliser, but South Africa's defence, led by veteran Jethro Eustice and keeper Hendrik Kriek pulled off brilliant blocks and saves to hold on to the lead and secure a famous victory and qualification to the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 for South Africa.

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"I am extremely emotional, as you can see. This is a huge win for us, giving us the opportunity to qualify for the Pro League," said an emotional captain Dayaan Cassiem.

"I am so thankful to the fans who came out in such huge numbers to support us. It's great for South African hockey to get the support of so many fans and all I can say is, if you keep supporting us like this, it will inspire us to even greater heights in the future, so thank you to all the fans." 

It was Cheslyn Gie's first success as South Africa's new head coach, having succeeded Garreth Ewing after he stepped down last month.

Meanwhile, the SA men's side has a few months to prepare for the FIH Hockey World Cup set to take in India from 13-29 January.