Historic Junior Africa Cup for Namibia Hockey

The 2024 Junior Africa Cup (JAC), held from 18–25 April at Windhoek High School’s Trustco Davin Astro, concluded with South Africa once again asserting their dominance in African hockey – winning gold in both the men’s and women’s competitions. However, it was Namibia’s inspiring performances that captured the hearts of the home crowd, as both the men’s and women’s U21 field hockey teams secured historic first qualifications for the 2025 FIH Junior World Cups.In an exciting tournament that saw Africa’s finest young talents battle for continental supremacy and World Cup places, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe (women), and South Africa, Namibia and Egypt (men) booked their tickets to the prestigious world events later this year.South Africa extend their continental reignSouth Africa’s U21 teams were in a class of their own.The women stormed through the group stages, winning all five matches with a staggering 38-goal difference. They sealed the title with a 5-0 victory over Namibia in the final, maintaining their record of winning every Junior Africa Cup edition since 1997.The South African U21 men mirrored their female counterparts, winning all five of their matches and closing out the competition with a dominant 5-0 win over Namibia in the final. Their unbeaten campaign saw them score 41 goals and concede just five, further underlining their status as the continental powerhouse.Individual awards also reflected South Africa's dominance, with Ntsopa Mokoena and Jaydon Brooker being named player of the tournament in the women's and men's categories, respectively.Namibia’s rising stars deliverBesides South Africa’s triumph, Namibia delivered a performance to be proud of in front of their home fans.The Namibian women’s team impressed throughout the tournament, winning every pool match apart from their clash with South Africa. By reaching the final, they secured a historic place at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 in Santiago, Chile.Reflecting on their journey, women’s captain Azalylee Philander said: "We made it to the finals at the qualifiers and we're actually so stoked, because it was part of our goal to make top two – and we did it! We’re all so excited to go to Chile in December. My girls did so great; I am super proud of them as a captain."Regarding the final defeat to South Africa, she acknowledged: "Our first half was pretty good, 2-0 down at half-time. Fitness and technical aspects were a factor later on, but I take my hat off to South Africa. From now on, we just build from here."Britz points out progressThe Namibian men’s team also produced a memorable campaign to ensure their trip to Chennai and Madurai in India later this year. They opened the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Egypt, setting the tone for their qualification run. Wins over Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia followed, with only a heavy defeat to South Africa halting their momentum.Namibia men’s captain John-Paul Britz shared his pride post-final. "It was a very good game – 3–0 at half-time, and we played a much better second half. I'm proud to say we made it to the final after nine years of not playing and coming last at the previous AFCON in 2016. To now finish second is a massive improvement for Namibian hockey.“We secured our Junior World Cup spot before even playing the final, which is awesome news. Having both our men's and women’s teams qualify just shows how far Namibian hockey has come over the last 10 years."Africa’s qualifiers confirmedFIH President Tayyab Ikram congratulated all the qualifiers: “Congratulations to South Africa (women and men), Namibia (women and men), Zimbabwe (women) and Egypt (men) for clinching the top three spots of the Junior Africa Cup staged in Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek, and therefore qualifying for the 2025 FIH Hockey Junior World Cups.”Bright future beckonsSouth Africa’s continued dominance indicates they will head to the Junior World Cups as serious contenders.With Namibia, South Africa, Egypt and Zimbabwe also flying the African flag high, the 2025 FIH Junior World Cups promise to be a showcase of the continent’s growing talent and ambition.

Historic Junior Africa Cup for Namibia Hockey

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Republikein 2025-04-30

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Historic Junior Africa Cup for Namibia Hockey

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