The anticipation is building as the Zimbabwe Under 21 women’s hockey team prepares to make its mark on the world stage at the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup 2025 in Santiago, Chile.
With roughly a month and a week to go before the tournament, the team, coached by Brad Heuer, is now focused on fine-tuning its skills after the Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) released a statement that the ladies will be part of the tournament in South America.
The team’s preparations were boosted by a visit from Nicholas Moyo, Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture ministry permanent secretary.
He was accompanied by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) acting director general, Peter Mudzimiriast.
The visit was described as a huge morale booster for the players by HAZ.
HAZ released a statement last week expressing gratitude to ministry for their support, which has enabled the team to prepare with renewed confidence and national pride.
“The exciting development follows the valued intervention and support of the Ministry of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture, whose guidance and assistance have ensured that Zimbabwe’s young women will have the opportunity to represent the nation on the world stage,” read part of the statement read.
HAZ called upon all stakeholders, partners, and supporters to rally behind the team as they embark on the exciting journey to represent Zimbabwe with pride and excellence.
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There was a huge scare that the country was not going to participate in the tournament.
The withdrawal had previously been communicated through a letter signed by HAZ president Grant Campbell a fortnight ago.
However, there was a huge relief as the sports ministry stepped in to cover the costs, reversing the decision and allowing the young athletes to represent Zimbabwe on the global stage and salvage the situation.
The Zimbabwe ladies team will be inspired by the field hockey team, the Golden Girls of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, who, up to now, remain the only team to win a gold medal for the country at the Olympics.
Former Sports minister and current International Olympic Committee, president Kirsty Coventry, won three medals as an individual at the Athens, 2004 edition.
Some fun facts about the tournament: Germany lifted the first trophy in 1989, Netherlands are the reigning champions (2023), 2,207 goals have been scored to date, and 16 teams are set to compete in this year’s edition.
Zimbabwe Junior World Cup team: Amber Tozana, Asante Ali, Ayanda Mangenah, Chelsey Hares, Ella Allardice, Hainnah Godfrey, Janelle Wightman, Jodie Anderson, Khanyisile Mzizi, Mufarowashe Matambo, Mutsashewve Musiyiwa, Nakai Mujaranji, Nyasha Bvute, Panaka Kababdza, Rebeca Winsor, Ruvarashe Mushavi, Tanya Changa, Tinodiwanashe Elijah, Tayla Ellerman (AP) and Vimbai Chituku (AP).j
