Historic double qualification for U21 World Cups
Field hockey
Namibia's U21 teams have both made field hockey history ahead of the finals of the Junior Africa Cup.
Namibia’s under-21 men’s and women’s hockey teams both made history on Tuesday evening by securing their qualification for the 2025 FIH Junior World Cups, after impressive wins at the ongoing Junior Africa Cup in Windhoek.The Namibian women’s team booked their ticket to Chile with a dominant 4-0 victory over Uganda. The win took them level on 12 points with South Africa at the top of the table, securing their place in Friday’s final – a rematch against the same South African side.
South Africa’s women have been in relentless form, scoring 32 goals and conceding none across their four matches so far. They’ll meet Namibia in a highly anticipated group stage clash today at 17:00, before the two sides square off again in Friday’s final for the continental glory.
In the men’s division, Namibia beat Zimbabwe 4-1 on Tuesday to seal their place in the final and book a historic first-ever qualification for the FIH Junior World Cup, to be held in India later this year.
Speaking after the match, Namibia’s men’s captain John-Paul Britz said: “This tournament has been a rollercoaster of emotions. We’ve won three out of four games so far and made history by becoming the first Namibian team to ever qualify for a World Cup.
“The boys are ecstatic – it’s a very special feeling to achieve this on home soil, in front of our parents and supporters.
“I want to thank our sponsors and management team; none of this would be possible without them. And of course, credit to the boys for playing hard, playing for each other, and for our country. It’s been a privilege and an honour. We’re excited for the next two days.”
Men’s head coach Johann Weyhe also shared his appreciation: “To my supporting staff, thank you so much for your dedication and efforts. To the players who came from far and gave their all – we truly appreciate it. The World Cup will be held in India at the end of the year, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
South Africa’s men, who remain unbeaten with four wins from four, have scored 32 goals and conceded just four. They will face Kenya today in their final pool match before taking on Namibia in Friday’s title decider.
Namibia’s fixtures today
Men: Namibia vs Zambia (15:00).
Women: Namibia vs South Africa (17:00).
The Junior Africa Cup concludes on Friday, where the top two men’s and women’s teams will compete for African honours – with Namibia proudly facing South Africa in both finals (16:45 and 19:00).