The Sunday News
Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Under-21 hockey teams will be hoping to get off their Africa Junior Cup (AJC) to a flying start when they play their opening matches today.
The tournament takes place in Ismailia, Egypt and both Zimbabwean teams will be up against neighbours South Africa in today’s games. Ghana and Nigeria withdrew from the prestigious event.
Zimbabwe’s preparations for the continental showpiece have been going well despite facing some sponsorship challenges which almost ruined the teams’ dream to participate at the high-status event.
Both teams left the country on Wednesday for the championship having had over a month-long preparation for the games where they were playing against different teams in Harare and Bulawayo.
Their latest preparation series saw the men’s team produce good results against Bulawayo teams at Khumalo Hockey Stadium.
Khumalo Hockey Stadium
Prior to the teams’ departure on Wednesday, women’s team head coach Brad Heuer said both teams are in high spirits and are confident of doing well, adding that it has been a challenging few days but are ready to fly the Zimbabwean flag up high.
“The mood in the camp is actually really good, both the boys and the girls are in high spirits, there is a lot of energy, excitement and also most importantly there is a lot of belief that we are going to do well and that both are going to qualify for the Junior World Cup. It has been hard, it has been a hard couple of days at the camp but it’s all good and we will be ready,” said Heuer.
After today’s matches, Zimbabwe women will go on to face the hosts, Egypt whereas their male counterparts will be up against Kenya tomorrow. The Junior Africa Cup will serve as a direct qualifier for the 2023 Junior World Cup, with the winner and runner-up qualifying. – Follow on Twitter @brandon_malvin
