South Africa's men's and women's hockey teams are intensifying their preparations for the FIH Hockey World Cup through a series of high-stakes home Test matches.

The men's team, competing against Malaysia in Durban, has remained unbeaten across five games, with standout performances from goalkeeper Cullin de Jager and captain Dayaan Cassiem.

De Jager's consistent saves and leadership have been pivotal, while the return of striker Mustapha Cassiem from injury marked a key moment in the series.The women's squad will face Namibia in Cape Town, blending experienced players with emerging talent to test combinations ahead of the World Cup.Coach Deon Morgan emphasized the value of these fixtures in refining strategies and building team cohesion under pressure.Both teams are leveraging home advantage to simulate tournament conditions, ensuring they arrive at the World Cup in peak form.