THE Namibia women\u2019s junior hockey team is preparing for a landmark moment \u2014 their debut at the FIH Hockey Women\u2019s Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, 1 to 13 December 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 2025 Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup will be the 11th edition of the Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup, the biennial women’s under-21 field hockey world championship organised by the International Hockey Federation. It will be the fourth time the tournament will be hosted by Santiago. The tournament will feature 24 teams for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With determination high, captain Azaylee Philander and coach Cedric Makati shared their thoughts ahead of the tournament. For Namibia, the World Cup represents both a dream and a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe would very much like to finish in the top three of our pool,\u201d said captain Azaylee Philander. \u201cWe are in a strong group with Germany, India, and Ireland, so securing third place would be a great achievement and a platform to build from.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coach Cedric Makati emphasised practical targets, \u201cMy first expectation is to win a game in the pool stage. We know it\u2019s a tough group, but it\u2019s achievable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Team cohesion has been a key challenge in the lead-up to the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot all teammates have been able to attend training sessions,\u201d Philander explained. \u201cThat\u2019s one of our main hurdles. But once we arrive in Chile and start practice matches, we will overcome it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Makati echoed her view but remained confident, \u201cWe have players based in South Africa and Europe. The biggest challenge is to get everyone playing together as one team. But we will get there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Namibia faces a tough group alongside India, Germany, and Ireland, yet both captain and coach are approaching it with respect and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo India, Germany, and Ireland \u2014 we are honoured to play against you,\u201d said Philander. \u201cNamibia will give our best.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Makati added, \u201cWe know every team is training hard. We are doing the same. We will not hold back. Let\u2019s give each other strong matches and may the best team win.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will mark Namibia\u2019s first-ever appearance in Chile, a milestone for the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlaying for your country comes with amazing opportunities. Santiago is the perfect place for a Junior World Cup,\u201d said Philander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor many of the girls, this is their first major international tournament,\u201d Makati noted. \u201cThe opening game against India will be tough, but we will take it step by step.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo all our supporters \u2014 parents, sponsors, and family \u2014 thank you for your backing. We hope to make you proud,\u201d Philander said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNamibia, thank you for supporting us. The girls are ready to step up. And to the fans in Chile, come cheer us on and see what Africa can deliver,\u201d added Makati.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The six pools of the tournament, which will feature 24 teams, have been determined as follows:
Pool A: Netherlands, Japan, Chile, Malaysia
Pool B: Argentina, Belgium, Zimbabwe, Wales
Pool C: Germany, India, Ireland, Namibia
Pool D: England, South Africa, China, Austria
Pool E: Australia, Spain, Canada, Scotland
Pool F: United States, Korea, New Zealand, Uruguay<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FIH Hockey Women\u2019s Junior World Cup 2025 kicks off in Santiago, Chile, where Namibia aims to make a strong impression on the international stage, one stride at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Source: FIH Hockey<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Namibia women\u2019s junior hockey team is preparing for a landmark moment \u2014 their debut at the FIH Hockey Women\u2019s Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, 1 to 13 December 2025. The 2025 Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup will be the 11th edition of the Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup, the biennial women’s …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":384673,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-384668","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news","category-sports"],"yoast_head":"\n