The FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup will take place in Potchefstroom from December 5 to 16 at the North-West University’s Astro complex.
South Africa has announced the team to compete in the round-robin 16 team tournament. South African coach Lenise Marais said, “The players, management and me are extremely excited for the upcoming World Cup and are looking forward to the challenge.
“We haven’t played any international competition and have only had a series against the Dutch in 2019. In terms of the level of hockey, we’re excited to see where we stand against others, compare ourselves and really compete at that very high level – which is ultimately our main goal.”
In terms of the team chosen, Marais said, “We have a really good defensive unit, some really great midfielders and some strikers that can score. Also in the squad are talented and exciting goalkeepers. We have been mindful of making sure we have a balanced team and we’ve chosen the best players that I feel have been available to us.
“In terms of obstacles, obviously the pandemic has played a huge role in our preparations, but as South Africans, we are used to obstacles. So we’ve had different scenario plans in place and have had to adjust accordingly. But I think we’ve already overcome so much.
“We also have players who are student-athletes who have to juggle the academic load and have had to be mindful of the balance. In terms of getting to this point, I believe and, in fact, must hope we are in a good space mentally and physically and can compete at this tournament. I am really looking forward to what the girls can produce at an international event.
“We are hoping that we can do ourselves proud, South African hockey proud and, of course, our country.”
