South Africa’s hockey men signed off their five-match test series against Malaysia in emphatic fashion, claiming a resounding 5-2 victory in the final game to secure the series 3-0.
Having already wrapped up the series ahead of the final test, South Africa rested captain Dayaan Cassiem, but still produced one of their most clinical performances of the week to finish the series unbeaten.
Malaysia made the perfect start when Syed Cholan scored from a penalty corner, giving the visitors an early lead. But their joy was short-lived.
𝗙𝗜𝗙𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧
— SA Hockey (@SA_Hockey) July 12, 2026
A Kenton Melville hat-trick inspired the South African Men to a 5-2 victory in the final test against Malaysia at Riverside Hockey Club.
Thank you to all that made the series possible!#MoreThanHockey pic.twitter.com/zvOGTqKEkr
Mustapha Cassiem produced a moment of incredible vision, picking out Kenton Melville in the circle with a brilliant pass. Melville brought the ball down superbly before firing home to bring South Africa level.
Malaysia created a few opportunities in the opening quarter, but as had been the story throughout the series, they were unable to convert their chances. They were made to pay just before half-time when Melville netted his second of the game, driving home powerfully to give South Africa a 2-1 lead at the break.
In the third quarter, Malaysia were forced to chase the game, and South Africa punished them.
Melville completed his first international hat-trick, becoming the first South African men’s player to score a hat-trick for the country since Mustapha Cassiem in the Afcon final last year. It was a special moment for Melville, who has enjoyed a superb run of form in national colours.
South Africa were then in dreamland as Ayakha Mthlane fired home from a penalty corner scramble to make it four, before Carlon Mentoor converted from another penalty corner to stretch the lead to 5-1.
Rozemi pulled one back for Malaysia with a consolation goal, but it did little to take away from a dominant South African performance.
The hosts closed out the match in style, signing off the series unbeaten and securing a 3-0 series victory.
Melville was named Player of the Match after a brilliant hat-trick performance.