Ireland brace for Cassiem brothers' threat in crucial South Africa clash

Ireland assistant coach Neville Rothman: “We are more of a collective feel than stars. Sean Murray always brings such stability in our midfield but our team is a more balanced outfit.” Pic: ©INPHO/Will Palmer

Ireland men came up against Australia’s battery of penalty corner firepower in their opening World Cup defeat. Now they must contend with two of world hockey’s most energetic stars when they take on South Africa this afternoon (4pm).

Brothers Dayaan, the 27-year-old captain, and Mustapha Cassiem, 24, have lit up hockey in the last five years with their dazzling skills and pace, but we were also on the receiving "end of a 3-1 scoreline in South Africa’s defeat to Spain on Sunday.

Neville Rothman, Ireland’s assistant coach, is all too aware of the threat posed by the Amsterdam-based Cassiems, with the South African having coached Dayaan in a national under-18 side that beat Australia a decade ago.

“We knew then, you don’t see those talents too often,” Rothman said last night. “They light up every pitch they are on, they are a challenge and we do have loads of respect for what they bring.

“They are both naturally combative players. They fight for everything and they have instilled that in their team-mates; they have speed, high-level skill and the goals they can score can leave you in awe. Off the field they are two wonderful people.” 

While Ireland may not possess the star-studded talent offered by the Cassiems, Rothman added: “We are more of a collective feel than stars.

“Sean Murray always brings such stability in our midfield but our team is a more balanced outfit.” 

The two sides last met at the FIH Nations Cup in June where a 3-3 draw in Cape Town saw Ireland fall short of the semi-finals. It was Ireland’s last competitive tournament, which perhaps resulted in their rusty opening 30 minutes against Australia.

“The simple fact is you need to replicate the match intensity ahead of a World Cup,” said Rothman. “We probably gave Australia too much respect, but we played really nicely when we believed a bit more.” 

Rothman joined the Irish men’s programme in late 2022 and has helped head coach Mark Tumilty in tweaking Ireland’s ball distribution.

He said: “You always hear about how they defend resolutely and it’s sort of their identity. I see that but we are becoming a lot better with the ball. It showed in the second-half against Australia and the players can see it.” 

A draw will still keep Ireland in with a chance of qualifying for the second pool phase ahead of their final game against Spain. However, results against pool opposition here will be carried over to the next group phase should they qualify.

“We expect it to be an open game with lots on the line,” said Tumilty.

“We want to score some goals and shut the backdoor at the same time where Ireland has always been known for their rugged defence.

"We want to be creating more goals. We created enough against Australia but unfortunately in the final details we didn’t take them, but that’s top level sport.” 

After stifling conditions, cooler weather is expected in Wavre with the chance of rain. This will suit Ireland as the Cassiem threat looms large.