Hockey star lives his dream
MUSTAPHA Cassiem has won two junior hockey international player of the tournament awards. He’s won the International Hockey Federation’s Outdoor Hockey World Cup in Rourkela, India, and the International Hockey Federation’s Indoor Hockey World Cup in Pretoria.
The 20-year-old hockey player from Cape Town is part of the South African men’s national hockey team. He plays alongside his brother Dayaan Cassiem, 24, who is the captain of the men’s national outdoor hockey team.
Cassiem started playing hockey at the age of five. His dad, Abdul Aziz Cassiem, played hockey and inspired his sons to take up the game. “At a young age we used to accompany him to watch games and train. We continued our hockey careers at Central Hockey Club and Bishops Diocesan College during our schooling years.
“I made my indoor debut at 17 while I was in Grade 11. We played against a Swiss team in Cape Town. It was a memorable moment. Then in 2020 I made my debut for South Africa in the outdoor hockey team at age 18. I debuted alongside my brother in a game against the US, which was played in Durban.”
Last month, Cassiem received the junior player of the tournament award
at the Outdoor Hockey World Cup and this month he was awarded the same accolade for the indoor tournament.
“Receiving these awards is special because you are up there with the best players in the country and the world. You feel like all your hard work is paying off. I feel blessed and grateful. Without the support of my family and teammates, it wouldn’t have been possible.”
Cassiem said he had many memorable moments in the sport. “One was when South Africa defeated Germany 3-2 at the Tokyo Olympics.”
Cassiem is also a club member of the Gladbach Hockey and Tennis Club in Germany.
“It has always been a dream to play overseas, so I am living my dream.”
His advice to future hockey players is to work hard and dream big. “Chase your dreams and never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve them. Always be open to learning and seek advice.”