Rising stars ready to take on the world

Namibia’s U21 men’s and women’s hockey teams were given an inspiring farewell at a send-off ceremony held at Wanderers Sports Club, as they prepare to compete at their respective 2025 FIH Junior World Cups.Held every two years, the Junior World Cup is regarded as the pinnacle of youth hockey, a global showcase where rising stars demonstrate their raw talent and stake their claim on the international scene. Both the U21 tournaments attract the best young players from around the world, and will this year be bigger than ever. For the first time in history, both the men’s and women’s Junior World Cups will feature 24 teams, expanding its global footprint and offering more nations the opportunity to compete on hockey’s grandest youth platform.MENThe world’s brightest young talents in men’s hockey will converge in southern India for the 14th edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025. Matches will be hosted across Chennai and Madurai from 28 November to 10 December. Namibia will compete in Pool D, facing a tough line-up consisting of Belgium (7th in the world), Egypt (15th) and Spain (4th).Adding to the team’s momentum, JSB Sports Betting’s John Zulch emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting youth sport as he confirmed a N$100 000 sponsorship for the men’s U21 side, along with a significant contribution toward their playing kits.Zulch said: “At JSB we believe in potential, so our goal is simple – unite the nation through sport, and this is one way of us doing it. We want to give the nation the tools to succeed on the world stage. We provide you the backing so you can focus on the game, but make no mistake, the players that are here today, you guys have earned this. “As your sponsor, we’re not just placing a bet on you; we’re placing a bet of confidence. We believe in your skill, we believe in you as a team to make us proud.”The men’s team also received valuable support from additional sponsors, including Retirement Fund Solutions, Logo Embroidery, Satcom, Windhoek Stationers, CycleTec and ElectroBoost.When asked about the development of hockey in Namibia in an interview with Sport Wrap, men’s head coach Johann Weyhe said: "Is it the pitch? The coaching? The players? It’s a combination of all three and the motivation to prove to the world that we can compete on this platform.“If anyone underestimates the Namibian team, they will see what we can do.”Defending champions Germany remain the tournament favourites, but Namibia is determined to prove its worth on the global stage.WOMENThe Namibia junior women’s team will make history as they compete in their first-ever Outdoor Junior World Cup at the 11th FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, from 1–13 December. The team has been drawn into Pool C alongside Germany (world ranking 3rd), India (8th), and Ireland (15th). Ranked 41st globally, Namibia enters the tournament as underdogs, bringing immense passion and belief to the competition.Women’s head coach Sedtric Makati, who has himself represented Namibia, said: “I know the feeling when you walk on that field, you’re representing your country for a World Cup. I've been there. These girls want it so badly." He said their journey to qualification was not easy. “Nobody sees the work behind the scenes. It took us about six months before we qualified, and the girls had to put in so much effort. To walk out there and represent your country is the biggest honour you can have."Carin Slabbert, president of the Namibia Hockey Union, congratulated the teams during her speech. "It’s such a privilege to qualify. This is the first time any NHU team has made it to a field hockey World Cup. You should be extremely proud. “The pools are tough, but you are well prepared. Go show the world what Namibia is about. Fly the flag high; we expect great results from India and Chile.”As the teams prepare for India and Chile, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to see them compete and inspire. Namibia is ready, and the world is about to see it.

Rising stars ready to take on the world

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-06

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Rising stars ready to take on the world

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-06

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