The South African Hockey Association has announced the SA Men’s squad that will carry the nation’s hopes at the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup South Africa 2026, set to take place at Hartleyvale Stadium in Cape Town from 11 to 20 June 2026.
With international hockey returning to South African soil in one of the sport’s most significant annual competitions, the hosts have named a strong 20-player group for a tournament that will bring together nine ambitious nations, all chasing the title and the coveted pathway towards the FIH Hockey Pro League.
The squad blends established international quality with players who have continued to force their way into the national picture through domestic and provincial performances. The Cassiem brothers, Dayaan and Mustapha, form part of a dangerous attacking group alongside the returning Tevin Kok. Sam Mvimbi, Andrew Hobson, Nic Spooner and Calvin Davis represented the South Africans at Olympic Games in Paris and will be key to the experience.
Kenton Melville, who played in the unofficial matches against Netherlands, has his first call up to receive international caps, while a further nine players have featured in less than 10 tests for South Africa, including IPT player of the tournament Niel Raath.
The Cape Town showpiece will mark the return of the Men’s Nations Cup to South Africa, following the inaugural edition staged in Potchefstroom in 2022, a tournament that South Africa emerged victorious at. This time, Hartleyvale will provide the stage as the home side looks to turn local energy into momentum against a field that includes France, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland and the United States.
SA Men’s Squad
FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup South Africa 2026
|
Name |
Caps |
|
Name |
Caps |
|
Andrew Hobson |
48 |
|
Kenton Melville |
0 |
|
Ayakha Mthalane |
7 |
|
Luke Wynford |
14 |
|
Brendan du Toit |
4 |
|
Mustapha Cassiem |
65 |
|
Calvin Davis |
18 |
|
Niel Raath |
6 |
|
Carlon Mentoor |
5 |
|
Nic Spooner |
82 |
|
Cullin de Jager |
7 |
|
Peabo Lembethe |
86 |
|
Dayaan Cassiem |
89 |
|
Sam Mvimbi |
73 |
|
Hans Neethling |
9 |
|
Sihle Ngubane |
34 |
|
Jamie Seale |
5 |
|
Tevin Petersen |
2 |
|
Jared Cass |
4 |
|
Tevin Kok |
74 |
South Africa will open their campaign in front of a home crowd taking on France. 48 hours later they will be up against USA before rounding off their group stage against Ireland on Youth Day.
With the Nations Cup arriving in Cape Town just months ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, this tournament presents a powerful platform for the SA Men to build rhythm, sharpen combinations and make a statement on home turf.
