2025 NKOSI Cup Wrap
A strong campaign in Cape Town with plenty of positives and valuable international experience gained.
Women's Indoor Teams Claim Silver
When the Australian Women’s Indoor team arrived at Wynberg Military Stadium in Cape Town, there was a sense this tournament would be different. The Nkosi Cup promised world-class competition and a chance to start a new chapter. Before the first whistle, the team agreed on a charter to hold each other accountable, a commitment that shaped every performance.
Match Highlights
Game 1 – vs Zimbabwe: 13–1 (W)
A historic victory - more goals than our entire World Cup campaign and the highest score in Nkosi Cup history. Annie Tevant named Player of the Match.
Game 2 – vs South Africa: 5–2 (W)
Our first win over South Africa in 10 years. The team executed a ruthless defensive press. Kaitlyn Lee named Player of the Match.
Game 3 – vs Namibia: 2–2 (D)
Namibia’s deep indoor hockey culture was evident. They challenged our structure but we created plenty of scoring chances. Emma Leighton, on debut, named Player of the Match.
Game 4 – vs New Zealand: 5–0 (W)
A dominant performance to secure top spot after the round matches. Kelsey Hughes named Player of the Match.
Semi Final – vs New Zealand: 7–3 (W)
We anticipated a strong challenge, but our composure and control saw us through to the Grand Final. Kaitlyn Lee earned her second Player of the Match award.
Gold Medal Match – vs South Africa: 3–4 (L)
South Africa struck early, but our team showed true Aussie grit, fighting back and creating multiple chances. Despite falling short, the effort and resilience were outstanding. Silver Medal secured.
Individual Accolades
Emma Leighton – Goalkeeper of the Tournament (on debut!)
Sassie Economos – Winner of the inaugural Aussie Pride award, voted by teammates for living our values.
Kelsey Hughes – Team Australia’s Player of the Tournament, instrumental in key moments.
This tournament was a statement: World class opposition, fierce competition and a team committed to growth. The foundation is set and the future of the National Women’s Indoor Program is bright. This silver medal sets a solid foundation for the next Indoor Hockey World Cup.
Men's Indoor Team Delivers Silver
After a strong performance at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup earlier this year, the Australian Men’s Indoor team arrived in Cape Town with a clear purpose: to test new combinations, integrate fresh talent and measure themselves against some of the best in the game.
Guided by former National captain Jonathon Stebbings and assistant coach Matt Hotchkis, the squad blended proven performers with exciting debutants. Mitch Pace and Jett Leong earned their first international caps, joining experienced names like Aiden Dooley, Jake Staines and Tim Deavin.
Match Highlights
Game 1 – vs New Zealand: 3–4 (L)
A tight contest to open the campaign, with Australia pushing hard but falling short by one goal.
Game 2 – vs Namibia: 5–3 (W)
Aiden Dooley starred with multiple goals, earning Player of the Match honours.
Game 3 – vs South Africa: 2–5 (L)
A tough battle against the hosts, who capitalised on key moments.
Game 4 – vs USA: 11–4 (W)
Australia’s biggest win of the tournament, powered by a hat-trick from Ryan Pace, named Player of the Match.
Semi Final – vs Namibia: 5–1 (W)
A composed performance to book a place in the gold medal match. Scott Govers delivered in key moments and was named Player of the Match.
Gold Medal Match – vs South Africa: 4–10 (L)
Despite a strong start, the hosts proved too strong. Australia secured silver and valuable experience.
Individual Accolades
Aiden Dooley – Tournament top scorer for Australia with 16 goals, second overall in the competition.
Mitch Pace & Jett Leong – International debuts, adding depth and energy to the squad.
Overall a great experience for both teams and an incredible achievement to make the gold medal game. A lot of confidence going forward into future indoor events - Brayden Flood, Team Manager
Tournament Takeaways
This campaign delivered attacking firepower, resilience and the promise of a squad ready to challenge the world’s best.
Officials Recognition
Congratulations to Cassidy Gallagher (Women’s Bronze Medal Match) and Jayden Pearson (Men’s Bronze Medal Match) for their appointments at the Nkosi Cup.
