Finals Day at the Nkosi Cup 2025 delivered everything the tournament had promised. A packed Wynberg Military Base, raw emotion, moments of brilliance and two gold medal performances that underlined South Africa’s rise as a global indoor hockey force. History was made on home soil as both South African teams lifted the Nkosi Cup, completing a memorable tournament.
Women’s Final
South Africa 4–3 Australia
In front of a packed Wynberg Military Base, the SPAR South Africa women showed their intent from the opening whistle, determined to claim their first-ever Nkosi Cup title. They could not have started better as the experienced Edith Molikoe fired the hosts into the lead inside the opening two minutes.
South Africa were flying and doubled their advantage with a moment of real quality as Tatum Kroutz finished superbly over the shoulder of Neowhouse to make it 2–0. But Australia, unbeaten through the group stage, showed their resilience. A penalty corner allowed Kaitlyn Lee to pull one back before halftime, and on the stroke of the break Emma Scriven levelled matters to send the sides into the interval at 2–2.
The second half began with South Africa creating the better chances. Malikah Hamza missed narrowly from a penalty corner before making no mistake from the penalty stroke soon after, restoring the hosts’ lead. Despite their dominance, South Africa were unable to extend the margin and Australia remained within touching distance.
A yellow card made the Australian task tougher, but they still threatened, only to be denied by a huge one-on-one save from Sarah Paget. Moments later, South Africa earned a penalty corner and Cerian Fourie rocketed home to give the hosts breathing space. Paget again came up big as Australia pushed forward late, and although Annelyse Tevant pulled one back to make it 4–3, South Africa held on to secure a famous victory and lift the Nkosi Cup for the first time.
Player of the Match: Sarah Paget (South Africa)
Men’s Final
South Africa 7–3 Australia
The South African Indoor Hockey Men, powered by Tops at SPAR, turned Wynberg into a cauldron in a breathtaking first quarter that set the tone for the final. Mustapha Cassiem needed less than a minute to open the scoring and combined with his brother Dayaan moments later to double the lead. When Dayaan again turned provider for Mustapha to make it three, the Nkosi Cup Village was rocking.
Australia responded through Ryan Pace, but Ryan Julius produced a sensational finish before Mustapha Cassiem completed yet another hat-trick. A late goal from Aiden Dooley made it 5–2 at the end of a remarkable opening quarter.
Australia struck first in the second quarter through Scott Govers, but Mustapha Cassiem responded immediately from a penalty corner to restore South Africa’s three-goal cushion, sending the teams into halftime at 6–3.
The tempo dipped slightly after the break, but South Africa remained in control. Dayaan Cassiem added another before Leruo Dithlakanyane produced a goal-line save to deny Dooley. South Africa continued to dictate proceedings and closed out the match professionally, confirming a dominant victory and back-to-back Nkosi Cup success.
Player of the Match: Mustapha Cassiem (South Africa)
Women’s Bronze Medal Match
Namibia 6–1 New Zealand
Namibia claimed the bronze medal in fitting style, led by a brace from stalwart Jerrica Bartlett in her final international appearance. Tamara Grogli also scored twice, while Kiana-Che Cormack and Danje Meyer added to the tally. New Zealand found a consolation through Emily Brun as Namibia closed their campaign on a high.
Player of the Match: Tamara Grogli (Namibia)
Men’s Bronze Medal Match
New Zealand 3–2 Namibia
New Zealand ensured they would leave the Nkosi Cup with a medal, edging Namibia in a dramatic bronze medal encounter. Stephen Atkinson and Luca Clark put the Kiwis in control early, but Namibia fought back late through Dylan Finch and Ludwig van Rooyen.
With the match heading towards a shootout, Luca Clark struck late to seal the victory and secure New Zealand’s first Nkosi Cup medal.
Player of the Match: Luca Clark (New Zealand)
Final Standings – Women
- South Africa
- Australia
- Namibia
- New Zealand
- Zimbabwe
Final Standings – Men
- South Africa
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Namibia
- United States
Individual Awards
Men’s Top Goalscorer: Mustapha Cassiem (South Africa)
Women’s Top Goalscorer: Malikah Hamza (South Africa)
Men’s Best Goalkeeper: Max Ruffell (New Zealand)
Women’s Best Goalkeeper: Emma Leighton (Australia)
Men’s Best Player: Mustapha Cassiem (South Africa)
Women’s Best Player: Malikah Hamza (South Africa)
