Two hockey teams will travel to Harare, Zimbabwe this week to compete in international friendlies against Zimbabwean hockey teams. 

The teams consist of U/18 and U/16 male and female squads. The upcoming friendlies will be played from 8 to 11 August. 

According to the Namibia Hockey Union (NHU), these games are part of a hockey development initiative and partnership agreement between the two countries.

The primary goal of this initiative is to provide the junior teams with invaluable international exposure, allowing them to compete at a higher level and develop the skills necessary to advance to the national squad. 

These games will help the players hone their skills, and gain the competitive experience crucial for their growth and future success in the sport. 

Speaking to this publication yesterday, Maryke Short, the head coach of the U/16 female team, said preparations have gone well, and they are now finalising before departing for Harare.

“I believe the team’s fitness level is good. We have been training since the announcement was made. We have made strides, and I think we are on the right track with this team. We hope to get the much-needed exposure when we get to Zimbabwe,” she said.

Speaking on the importance of the games, she added, “I think for every sports discipline to prosper, you have to make sure that a proper foundation is laid, and that’s what we are doing right now by laying a good foundation for these lads to progress in their careers”.

“With good exposure and more game time, many of these up-and-coming players could one day represent Namibia on a bigger stage. For them to play at that level, they need to start playing international matches at an early stage,” she added.