did not participate in the 2000 Olympic Games

qualified as winner of the 7th All-Africa Games in September 1999 in Randburg, South Africa, a win that also earned them the berth at the Sidney Olympics that was later waived and went to Argentina instead

finished in the runner-up spot at the Champions Challenge in December, losing 1-2 to India in the final, but missing several key players: Greg Nicol with an injury, Gregg Clark with work commitments and Emile Smith with commitments at his Dutch club HDM

coach Rob Pullen identifies the team’s goal as a top eight finish

The Game

strong on short corners with world-class drag-flicker Justin King

Greg Nicol and Mike Cullen make a lethal forward line

in the past the team has often held up well over long periods against favored opponents, but given away the chance for a decent result by a loss of concentration and lapses in discipline towards the end of a game

The Team

13 players competed in the Champions Challenge

the relatively high average age of 26.1 years is in part caused by the fact that no player is younger than 24

Players to Watch

Experienced striker Mike Cullen was named Player of the Tournament after a fine performance in the 2001 Champions Challenge and is one of the five nominees for FIH Player of the Year. Cullen’s playing is often overshadowed by striking partner Greg Nicol, who usually takes the spotlight, but in the absence of Nicol troubled by injuries for much of the season, Cullen was able to take control of the games.

25-year-old Wayne Denne, regarded as South Africa's best central midfielder, surprisingly retired from international hockey in mid-2001, and caused yet more bewilderment when he announced his comeback a mere six weeks before the World Cup. He subsequently earned his ticket with a convincing display in South Africa’s five match test series against Germany in January.

Striker Denzil Dolley came onto the squad for the Champions Challenge as replacement for Greg Nicol who then had to withdraw due to an injury. Fitting nicely into the team and showing some excellent skills, Dolley in the course of the tournament got himself promoted from replacement to member of the national team.

Goalkeeper Chris Hibbert played a decisive role in his team’s success at the Champions Challenge with an outstanding performance.

Recent Matches against Round Robin Opponents

Feb. 19, 2002, Kuala Lumpur: South Africa vs. Poland 2-2

Feb. 3, 2002, Durban, RSA: RSA vs. England 2-2

Feb. 2, 2002, Durban, RSA: RSA vs. England 2-1

Jan. 31, 2002, Durban, RSA: RSA vs. England 2-3

Jan. 29, 2002, Pietermaritzburg, RSA: South Africa vs. England 3-3

Jan. 23, 2002, Durban, RSA: RSA vs. Germany 0-7

Jan. 21, 2002, Pietermaritzburg, RSA: RSA vs. Germany 2-2

Jan. 20, 2002, Durban, RSA: RSA vs. Germany 2-3

Jan. 18, 2002, Durban, RSA: RSA vs. Germany 1-3

Jan. 17, 2002, Durban, RSA: RSA vs. Germany 2-4

Dec. 15, 2001, Kuala Lumpur (Champions Challenge): RSA vs. India 1-2

Dec. 13, 2001, Kuala Lumpur (Champions Challenge): RSA vs. Malaysia 1-0

Dec. 11, 2001, Kuala Lumpur (Champions Challenge): RSA vs. Belgium 1-0

Dec. 10, 2001, Kuala Lumpur (Champions Challenge): RSA vs. Japan 2-3

Quotes

 Team captain Craig Jackson: “ The conditions are rather trying to say the least, but we feel that we are better suited to them than a lot of the other teams, and we will use that to our advantage. The vibe in the team is very positive, and we are excited to be able to take on Pakistan, as they are one of the favorites.“ (South African Men’s Hockey)

Greg Nicol: “ I have scored eight goals in the last nine matches, so from a confidence point of view, things are looking good.“ (Independent Online)

Coach Rob Pullen. “ We want to emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the world and we have a formidable side that is capable of finishing in the top six in the World Cup.“ (The Star of Malaysia)