The FIH Hockey Women’s junior World Cup will take place in Potchefstroom from April 1 to 12 at the North-West University’s Astro complex.
Following the outbreak of the Omicron strain late last year, the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the South African Hockey Association and the North-West University of Potchefstroom jointly agreed to postpone the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup South Africa 2021. Initially, it was scheduled for Potchefstroom from December 5 to 16.
Currently underway on the same turf is the FIH Mens Hockey Pro League consisting of top-ranked teams Netherlands, France, Germany, India and South Africa.
Sheldon Rostron, the LOC chairperson for both this edition of the Pro League and the 2021 FIH Hockey Women’s junior World Cup, said, “We’re currently four games into the 14-match tournament and all has gone exceptionally well thus far. The pitch and facilities are impeccable – of world-class standard indeed, and the people behind the scenes know what to do, when to do it and to do so brilliantly. We aim to show the country and the world that despite the Covid-19 challenges, we can host a thoroughly enjoyable, safe and successful tournament.”
Head coach Lenise Marais said, “Both the team and I were extremely disappointed when the postponement news broke but the health and safety of everyone concerned will always be the number one priority.
The players are a resilient group of girls and the postponement has focused them and increased their desire even more for the upcoming event. It will be a tremendous honour for these youngsters to play on the same pitch as their Pro League heroes and the use of such world-class facilities will go a long way in them gaining valuable experience and exposure.”
The last series that the SA junior women’s team had was against the Dutch in 2019, and since then have had selection and training camps as well as a senior inter-provincial tournament. The team is currently in the process of finalising its plans in the lead up to April.
