The FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, taking place in Potchefstroom from 1 – 12 April at the North West University’s Astro complex will be a first on African soil.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH), The South African Hockey Association (SAHA), and North West University (NWU) will host the u.21 round robin 16 team tournament.

South Africa are in pool B of the competition where they will face off against England, Ireland and Ukraine. Each match will definitely test the South Africans, especially the opening match against England on 1 April.

Pool A: Canada, USA, Zimbabwe and the Netherlands

Pool B: South Africa, England, Ireland, Ukraine

Pool C: Argentina, Austria, Republic of Korea, Uruguay

Pool D: Germany, India, Malaysia, Wales

Looking at these interesting groups, a number of contenders for playoff berths already pop up. The Netherlands are strong contenders in Pool A.

This hockey loving nation will definitely be one of the front runners for the title in Potch. Second spot could be down to a North American tussle between the USA and Canada.

Pool B will be a favourite for Potchefstroomers to keep a keen eye on with hosts, South Africa, hoping to do their nation proud at home. England will be strong favourites in this group. Ireland could also provide stiff competition and the Ukraine might spring a surprise of two. The battle for runners-up spot might go down to the match between Ireland and South Africa.

Pool C is an interesting group and could well be the most tightly contested. Argentina are not in the best of form having failed to qualify before getting a wild card entry due to other nations withdrawal from the tournament. Austria are a new face at the World Cup, having replaced Russia. The Republic of Korea, might well be the strongest team in the group having won the tournament three times prior. Uruguay are also on the up after qualifying for the first time in their history. The South Americans could provide tricky opposition.

Pool D should be rather straightforward with powerhouses, Germany and India looking to stake their claim against Wales and minnows Malaysia.