Umhlali goalkeeper Clyde Milsom hopes the community will rally behind him as he prepares to represent South Africa on the world stage in Europe next month.

Milsom has been selected for the SA over-40 side that will compete at the 2026 World Masters Hockey (WMH) World Cup, taking place across Belgium and the Netherlands in July and August.

It is expected to be one of the largest in Masters hockey history, with 112 teams competing across men’s and women’s age groups from over-35 to over-80.

Milsom (44), who plays for the Umhlali Impis Hockey Club, will compete in Rotterdam from July 22 to August 4.

His call-up follows a strong showing earlier this year, where he helped the KZN Masters side claim gold at the SA Masters Provincial Hockey Tournament in Durban after conceding only one goal. The team also secured bronze in Gqeberha last year.

Despite his achievements, Milsom faces a major obstacle as he needs to raise R60 000 to fund his trip.
Born and raised in Umhlali, Milsom has a proud hockey history. He represented KZN through the school age groups and spent time in the national high-performance setup in his 20s.

However, he stepped away from the sport for 10 years due to work commitments but returned six years ago.

“Hockey makes me feel alive; I live for it,” said Milsom.

“It’s my passion and it drives me to be better every day.”

He was also part of the Alliance O40 International Masters Cup, an international Barbarians side that won bronze at the 2024 World Cup in Cape Town.

Beyond the field, hockey has been a source of strength during personal hardship. Clyde lost his older sister, Claudine, to cancer nearly seven years ago. In December 2024, his father and biggest supporter, Ian, also died from cancer.

“I am still grateful to wake up and be able to play the sport I love,” he said.

“I am reaching out for financial assistance to help me achieve my dream of representing my country.

Please support me and be a part of turning my childhood dream into a reality.”

Those wishing to assist can donate via Milsom’s fundraising campaign at backabuddy.co.za/campaign/masters-world-cup-journey-rotterdam-july-2026.