Africa’s best Juniors battle in Windhoek

For the next week starting from Friday, Windhoek will be the epicentre of African hockey, as the continent’s top junior men’s and women’s teams clash in the Junior Africa Cup 2025. At stake will be the final three qualifying spots in each category for the FIH Junior Hockey World Cups 2025, set to take place in India (men) and Chile (women). This edition of the Junior World Cup will be historic, as it marks the first time the competition will feature 24 teams each, offering greater global representation.Hockey action at Trustco Davin AstroAll matches will be played at Windhoek High School’s Trustco Davin Astro, with action running from Friday, 18 April until Friday, 25 April. Friday, Saturday and Monday will feature full matchdays from 10:00 to 20:00, with Sunday as a rest day.Men’s teams: South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Zambia.Women’s teams: South Africa, Ghana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia.Namibia women’s fixturesFriday, 18 April – vs Kenya at 15:00Saturday, 19 April – vs Zimbabwe at 17:00Monday, 21 April – vs Zambia at 19:00Tuesday, 22 April – vs Uganda at 15:00Namibia men’s fixturesFriday, 18 April – vs Egypt at 17:00Saturday, 19 April – vs South Africa at 15:00Monday, 21 April – vs Kenya at 17:00Tuesday, 22 April – vs Zimbabwe at 17:00Namibia U21 men’s squadRylan Bombosch and Lyle Bruys (goalkeepers), Giovane Handura, Sean Irwin, Anton Myburgh, Thomas Theron, Ludwig van Rooyen, John-Paul Britz (captain), Gerhard Myburgh, Christian du Raan, Zach Philander, Jack Fourie, Mathew Lassen, Owen Hatton, James de Jager, Abraham Graham, Darren Enslin, Krynauw Weber.Management team: Johan Weyhe (head coach), Randy Slabbert (assistant coach), Brynn Cleak (technical coach), Herman Steytler (physical trainer), Janine van der Merwe (team manager).Namibia U21 women’s squadJasmine Cartwright and Anri Jacobs (goalkeepers); Marlene Coetzee, Azaylee Philander (captain), Tisha Semedo, Onique Bezuidenhout, Abigail Rowles, Marika Neethling, Jessica Gresse, Nicola Fourie, Kyla Gille, Alice Rowles, Anthea Coetzee, Milah Malan, Maryke Kruger, Annica Higgs, Louise McCarthy, Mia Karsten.Management team: Sedtric Makati (head coach), Christo du Raan (assistant coach), Charlene du Raan (team manager), Wynand Dreyer (assistant team manager).Tournament formatBoth the men’s and women’s competitions will follow a round-robin format, awarding three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. The top two teams in each group will advance to the gold medal match, while the third and fourth-placed teams will contest the bronze medal.The top three finishers in each category will qualify for the FIH Junior Hockey World Cups, completing the African contingent for both the men’s and women’s tournaments.Global picture: World Cup spots almost filledFor the men’s Junior World Cup in India, 21 of the 24 teams have already qualified, including hosts India and nations like Germany, Argentina and Australia. The three African podium finishers in Windhoek will complete the line-up.The women’s Junior World Cup in Chile has also confirmed 21 teams, including hosts Chile and leading nations such as the Netherlands, USA and Japan. Again, the top three in Windhoek will seal the final slots.A landmark moment for junior hockeyThis is a golden opportunity for fans to witness the rising stars of African hockey on Namibian soil. With World Cup dreams on the line, intensity and excitement are guaranteed. Windhoek stands ready to deliver a memorable showcase of sport, pride and continental ambition.

Africa’s best Juniors battle in Windhoek

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Republikein 2025-04-30

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Africa’s best Juniors battle in Windhoek

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