adminEllina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
HOCKEY Association of Zimbabwe secretary-general Sarah Bennett says they are hoping to have the national Under-21 teams start their preparations for next year’s Junior Africa Cup.
The continental showpiece is due to take place next year in March.
HAZ are hoping to field both the men’s and women’s teams at the event.
The national association named a 36-member women’s squad early this week and is expected to start preparations next month.
The men’s squad will be named mid-November.
“As it currently stands, official invitations have not been distributed for teams to confirm their participation. However, in preparation, the HAZ have started their preparations.
“Practice sessions are starting both in Harare and Bulawayo. The plan is to have a camp in November and December with final selection in December.
“Players will continue practicing as (a) team as well as within their league teams for January to mid-February and the last month have a final camp before leaving.
“HAZ’s ultimate aim is to field both the women’s and men’s teams in this tournament. However, funding and sponsorship will be of utmost importance in getting our teams to this important event.
“HAZ will also be introducing a ‘SPONSOR a player SUPPORT a Team’ programme to assist with securing funding for the players to attend,” said Bennett.
The women’s squad include several players from the team that represented the country at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in April.
They include Tinodiwanashe Elijah, Tatenda Maswera, Kaylee Sithole, Khanyisile Mzizi and Jorja Jones.
The tournament was called off in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its return is an opportunity for upcoming players to showcase their talent at a bigger stage.
Bennett said the tournament is key for player development and scholarship opportunities.
“This tournament is important as it provides a platform for the development of players who ultimately in a couple of years’ time will form an integral part of our senior national teams. As with the delayed Junior World Cup that was held in March 2022 in South Africa, we were able to identify talent that has been included in senior squads.
“Additionally a number of players will use these qualifiers as opportunities to secure scholarships for university to further their education,” said Bennett.
The Junior Africa Cup is also serving as a qualifier for the Junior World Cup. The top two teams per gender, from the showpiece, qualify for the world event.
Brad Heuer is the head coach for the team. He will be assisted by Tapiwa Pongweni and Nicole Grant.
Under-21 Women’s squad
Ella Allardice, Tanyaradzwa Changa, Tanatswa Chikotosa, Tayla Dean, Tinodiwanashe Elijah, Tayla Ellerman, Done Esasmus, Kiara Goodinson, Chelsey-Lee Hares, Amy Hay, Mary Chloe Honey, Jorja Jones, Panaka Kambadza, Danielle Lowe, Tatenda Maswera, Tariro Mautsa, Siphosenkosi Moyo, Nakai Mujaranji, Athina Mujiba, Tanatswa Mukotekwa, Audrey Mutandiro, Natasha Muwani, Khanyisile Mzizi, Kelcy Ndoro, Nyasha Nyaguze, Nicole Nyamapfeka, Emma Reilly, Tumi Sibanda, Kaylee Sithole, Amber Tozana, Rumbidzaiishe Zimuto, Bethel Chidzwondot (gk), Theodora Chingombe (gk), Jamie-Lee Kashula (gk), Ayanda Mangenah (gk), Tanatswa Mutaramuswa (gk).
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