Excitement Builds for U.S. Masters Athletes at Upcoming WMH World Cup Cape Town

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – The 2024 World Masters Hockey (WMH) World Cup Cape Town begins tomorrow in Cape Town, South Africa. Four U.S. Masters teams will play against teams from all over the world in an atmosphere of competition and camaraderie.

The action in Cape Town will feature the following age divisions: Men O-35, Men O-40, Men O-65, Men O-70, Men O-75, Women O-35 and Women O-40. Representing USA will be teams in the Men O-40, Men O-65, Women O-35 and Women O-40 divisions.

The rosters were named back in July, but the process for selection began back in February. Regional training camps and a selection event were held in order to prepare a solid roster for this international event.

The group that will be competing in Cape Town is made up of athletes from all over the country, and who have been preparing for months. Noel Samu (Weston, Mass.), an athlete on the U.S. O-40 Men’s team, will play in his first WMH World Cup.

“[I’m] looking forward to representing the U.S. with a great bunch of guys and hopefully putting on a great performance and achieving results we can be proud of,” said Samu. “Making a solid contribution to the team. Some great games of hockey, playing and meeting different teams and having fun on and off the pitch.”

As for training, Samu is close enough to participate in a league that features high-level adult competition. “I’ve been doing several weeks of a strength and conditioning program, a bit of running and also playing as much hockey as I can, including league games in the New York NEFHA league.”

Patricia Zini (Wrentham, Mass.) will be playing for the U.S. O-40 Women’s team after previously being an alternate for the 2023 WMH Pan American Continental Cup.

“I’m most looking forward to wearing a USA jersey and playing with my teammates!” said Zini. “I’m also looking forward to meeting athletes from other countries.”

A dedicated field hockey enthusiast, Zini runs a summer open play and adult women’s league called Turf Burn. Playing there and other adult leagues has aided in her training.

“Playing in my Tuesday night pickup league, my summer league, Turf Burn Field Hockey, and running or doing workouts at home.”

“A big thank you to my husband and kids for supporting me!” added Zini.

Schedule and results for the WMH World Cup Cape Town can be found here. Livestream information will be added when available.