Zimbabwe U21 Girls Qualify for 2025 Hockey Junior World Cup – Time for Rallying Support

Southerton Business Times
Jul 24, 2025
2 min read

Zimbabwe’s Under-21 women's hockey team celebrates with Zimbabwe flag; they wear uniforms under a "Junior Africa Cup" banner. Mood is joyful and victorious. — The Zimbabwe Under-21 womens hockey team (image source)

Zimbabwe’s Under-21 women's hockey team has officially qualified for the 2025 Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, after a commanding 6–1 win over Uganda in the bronze medal match at the 2024 Women's Junior Africa Cup held in Windhoek, Namibia.

This milestone marks Zimbabwe’s fourth consecutive Junior World Cup qualification, underscoring a legacy of excellence and resilience within the country’s women’s hockey development system. The team’s performance in Windhoek was dynamic—crushing Zambia 8–1, beating Uganda 5–1 in the group stage, and topping Kenya 4–1 to secure their place in the playoff. Despite a 5–0 loss to tournament winners South Africa, the girls regrouped and triumphed in their final match.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Bradley Heuer lauded the players' spirit:

“This is a major accomplishment. These young women played with heart, skill, and discipline. But qualifying is only step one—now we need real support to compete in Chile.”

Coach Heuer called for urgent funding and sponsorship to help the team cover travel, kits, equipment, and training costs. With the tournament set for next year, preparations must begin now if Zimbabwe’s girls are to make a serious impact on the world stage.

National Pride and a Call to Action

The U21 team’s qualification arrives just weeks after the Zimbabwe Sables returned from their own Rugby Africa Cup victory to a hero’s welcome. Sports analysts and advocates are urging the nation to show equal enthusiasm and financial support for the women’s hockey team.

“This is not just a sporting success,” one sports broadcaster said. “This is empowerment. Visibility. Representation. We celebrated our rugby heroes—let’s now champion our hockey heroines.”

Public appeals have been launched urging corporates, schools, NGOs, and philanthropists to step up and help the young athletes realize their World Cup dream. Every donation counts, from equipment sponsorship to travel support or even simple public visibility campaigns.