South Africa hope to create upsets as Potchefstroom hosts prestigious FIH Hockey Pro League

The South African men's hockey side make history on Tuesday as they host and compete in their first FIH Hockey Pro League tournament at the North West University Hockey Astro.

South Africa, whose participation is limited to this edition only, will host the Netherlands, India, Germany and France in a bio-secure bubble in Potchefstroom.

This gives coach Garreth Ewing the perfect build-up to July's Commonwealth Games and next year's FIH Hockey World Cup.

Last month, South Africa clinched the African Cup of Nations in Accra after defeating Egypt in the final as they sealed their spot in the 2023 World Cup in India.

South Africa, who are now 10th in the world rankings, hopes to build on their AFCON win as they compete against the world's best in the North West.

"A World Cup qualifier is a unique event and it brings its own pressures and playing against Africa is different than playing against the elite teams in the world," Ewing told reporters in a press conference on Monday.

"I don't think it's an advantage to us aside from being together for a while and getting the opportunity to play together. I think this will be a whole situation for us."

At last year's Tokyo Olympics, the SA men's side stunned Germany with a 4-3 win and then drew Canada 4-4 as they finished second-last in their group and failed to qualify for the semi-final in Tokyo. 

This time around, South Africa will again face Germany, hoping to avenge their Tokyo defeat. Meanwhile, Olympic bronze medallist India will look to keep their unbeaten streak against South Africa intact.

"I think we can absolutely create some upsets," said Ewing on South Africa's chances.

"However, our priority is to grow the team and develop towards the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup. So