The South Africans were invited to compete in the 2021-22 edition of the tournament as a result of the withdrawal of Australia and New Zealand. Its an opportunity they are looking to grab with both hands.

The South Africans will open their campaign on Tuesday night against Netherlands, a team they have not beaten in over 20 years but will be buoyed by the performance in Tokyo when they stormed into a 3-goal-lead before the impressive Europeans bounced back. They will then face the Olympic bronze medallist India, who have South African legend Greg Clarke as their assistant coach.

The South Africans will be without captain Tim Drummond and penalty corner hotshot, Matt Guise-Brown, who could not get leave from work, while the Cassiem brothers and Ryan Julius return to the team after missing the African Hockey Cup of Nations.

Head coach Garreth Ewing was excited by the opportunity

“It’s an amazing opportunity. It will be incredibly tough, but we’ve got to play against the very best in the world if we are going to find out what we need to grow as a team,” Ewing said.

“You’re never going to play against teams in the top eight of the rankings without them being strong outfits, but teams in the Pro League do mix up their line-ups a bit.

“It’s often used an opportunity to expose new players because it’s considered the beginning of the next Olympic cycle – and that’s the same as what I’m doing – but the top sides will have their usual superstars here as well.”

Although the matches will not be open for spectators, all games will be televised live on Supersport.

SA Mens Squad – FIH Pro League – Potchefstroom Leg