Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Hockey Association of Zimbabwe has named an 18-member squad to represent the country in the Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup set for Potchefstroom, South Africa, in December.
The squad also includes five non-travelling reserves.
“The Hockey Association of Zimbabwe is proud to announce the final team to represent Zimbabwe at the Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup which will be held in Potchefstroom, South Africa, from December 5-16. We wish the team every success,” said HAZ in a statement.
The tournament, which will be held in a bio-bubble format to mitigate against the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, is a first on the African soil and will feature 15 other countries from around the globe.
According to organisers, the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup is an event hosted every two years, with 16 international women’s teams competing for the ultimate prize.
It provides a platform for athletes under the age of 21 to demonstrate their talent and determination on an international stage.
The FIH Hockey Junior World Cup is an important milestone for young elite players aspiring to progress their professional hockey careers, and represents the pinnacle in international junior hockey.
“The LOC, in conjunction with the South African Hockey Association and North West University, is excited to welcome participating teams to our beautiful country and host the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, which is not only a first for the African continent, but also for South Africa.
“Our goal is to deliver an event that showcases, not only our ability to host world-class events, but also exhibits our hospitality, culture, and beautiful country.
“It is an honour and privilege to play for your country and, at this age, there is nothing better than being exposed to an environment that welcomes you into becoming a professional athlete. We would like to make this a memorable event, one that ignites the flame for the future of their careers and leaves a legacy that inspires the next rising stars,” said LOC chairperson, Sheldon Rostron.
Zimbabwe Junior squad
Georgia Allardice, Mercedes Beekers, Mutsa Bera (c), Haykey Clark, Tinodiwanashe Elijah, Simone Herbet (v/c), Jorja Jones, Courtney Lowe, Lavender Mandoza, Jenna Mathieson, Mufaro Mazambani, Mazvita Mtausi Gwaradzimba, Khanyisile Mzizi, Lillian Pope, Alexei Terblanche, Natalie Terblanche, Rumbidzai Zimuto,
Non-travelling: Stembile Chikoore, Tyla Falkenberg, Marisa Marques, Tatenda Maswera, Gugulethu Sibanda
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