Cassiem Driven by Legacy, Brotherhood and Amsterdam support for EHL debut

Mustapha Cassiem is thankful to the emotional support of AH&BC Amsterdam and his team mates over the past few months, admitting success on the hockey field “means so much more” in the wake of his father Abdul-Azziz’s death in January.

Affectionately known as Cassa, he was a pivotal in nurturing not just Mustapha and Dayaan’s love of the sport as their first coach, starting off their rise to be among the sport’s most exciting figures.

But, through his work with Central Hockey Club, Bishop’s Diocesan College, Western Province and many other outlets in Cape Town, Cassa inspired countless others to pick up a stick.

It is why Mustapha is keen to hold with him through the EHL FINALS next week in Den Bosch, another showcase for his electric skills.

“My dad was my hero,” he says. “He played a big role in my sporting career. He was a hockey coach himself and played at quite a high level back in the day.

“It came as a shock to us as a family,” he says. “Every time I step out on the field now, I want to make him proud… it means so much more.”

To help navigate the emotional terrain, Cassiem has been receiving support,, adding: “I’m speaking to a mental coach at the moment who has been really supporting me in getting practical steps to help with the grief.”

His father’s influence stretched beyond just his own children. Cassiem recalls a community leader who created opportunity in a small Cape Town neighbourhood.

“He had his own hockey club… he got all these hockey players from small little areas in Cape Town together.

“Since the age of five, he was always there. He gave us the guidance and the platform to express ourselves at the highest level.”

One cherished memory remains the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Mustapha and Dayaan both represented South Africa, a dream their father never had the chance to fulfil.

“He never got that opportunity due to different circumstances but the influence he had on the general hockey community was super special.

“It’s been some really heavy days, very emotional couple of months. There have been ups and downs in my days and that’s me being honest. But the club and the people around me in Amsterdam have been super supportive.”

That support has allowed him to flourish on the field; in February, Dayaan and Mustapha put in star turns for Amsterdam as they became the first Dutch men’s team to win the EuroHockey Indoor Club Cup.

Their connection dazzled audiences and added another new experience on a partnership on the pitch which has been unbroken since their school days, through to the South African national team and professional hockey in Germany and the Netherlands.

“We’ve never really had to play against each other,” he smiles. “Dayaan always set the bar for me. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

“We try to inspire kids from South Africa to dream big and be good role models. Off the field, we have a super good connection. And now with the passing of my dad, our relationship has become super close — closer than ever.”

And both have netted spectacular late goals for the club on their return outdoors which has seen them defeat Kampong and Den Bosch and draw with leaders Oranje-Rood to move into the playoff places.

The side spent extra time in Catalonia after the indoor tournament in Sant Cugat, bonding with the full outdoor panel in Terrassa.

“It’s been really good to get in a good rhythm again,” Cassiem says. “We had a tough first half of the season with a lot of injuries, so that broke a bit of rhythm. But with everyone back in good shape, we really had a good team culture chat away in Barcelona on our team trip, which changed a lot for us.”

Those conversations helped reset expectations heading into the decisive half of the season.

“We set out some goals for the second half… to really achieve and push for play‑offs,” he adds. “And of course, a massive focus on EHL this year.

“We had lots of important team time together, honest conversations about what we really want to achieve as a team. It was needed after the winter break.”

An interesting aside is he now gets to play alongside Robbert Kemperman who he lists off as one of his hockey idols growing up, one among a list of slightly less obvious players given his attacking style.

“These are the players I grew up watching – Arthur Van Doren, Joep de Mol. Back in school I played as a centre back. Now I’ve moved up the pitch, become more attacking.”

“When I first got to Amsterdam, I told him [Kemperman] I used to watch his highlights,” Cassiem laughs. “I got to play against him at Tokyo 2021 and now sharing a team with him is one of the highlights of my career.”

He adds coach Rick Mathijssen has played a key role in shaping his current role.

“Rick has given me the license to really attack teams. And of course in the circle I work a lot on my goal‑scoring. It’s always nice to score goals!”

As for the EHL, attention sharpens on Hamburger Polo Club, Germany’s standard-setters this season.

“Hamburg Polo are a really quality side,” Cassiem acknowledges. “Luckily last year we had a practice weekend in Hamburg, so we do have an idea of what we’re going to face.”

“We will do everything we can to make sure that game is taken. EHL is always special. It’s everyone’s dream to be playing at the highest level in Europe.”

He adds: “As a South African hockey player, EHL was one tournament I really wanted to play in.

“In 2024 [when I was at hdm], I watched the EHL at Amsterdam and I set a goal to be there. It’s a dream to represent this club on that stage.”

As he prepares for the biggest week of Amsterdam’s season, he carries with him the rhythm of a team finding form, the strength of a family bound together and the legacy of a father whose influence still guides every stride.

“It means so much more now,” he says softly. “Every time I step on the field, I want to make him proud.”

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