The Namibia Hockey Union (NHU) has officially unveiled the squads for four of their teams set to compete against Zimbabwe in an upcoming U/16 and U/17 hockey series next month.
The test series is scheduled for 6 to 8 July 2023 at the Windhoek High School Davin Astro.
It promises to be an exhilarating showcase of hockey competition between the two nations.
In an interview with New Era Sport yesterday, the coach of the U/16 girls team Sumari Jans was happy with the selection process and the final team chosen for the test series. She said the exercise was done based on merit.
“I am thrilled with the team we have selected. It was a challenging task to pick the players who will compete in this tournament, but we have thoroughly assessed the process to ensure we have assembled the best possible team,” she
said.
She said she was confident in the potential of the young players chosen to represent Namibia against Zimbabwe in the series. “With this talented group, we believe they will make their mark in the upcoming tournament. I have full trust in the team, and I am optimistic that we will achieve victory when the tournament commences next month,” she added.
The tournament holds significant importance for player and team development. According to Britta Haensel, the U/16 boys’ coach, this event serves as a crucial opportunity to gauge the
players’ strengths against strong opponents.
“This tournament is of utmost importance for their development because many of the selected players will be representing the country for the first time. It provides an excellent platform for them to showcase their abilities,” Haensel said
She said the team is bonding well and they are aware of the threat presented by Zimbabwe presents.
“They have proven themselves to be a formidable team, and we must approach the match with caution. Adequate preparation is key to neutralising their strengths,” Haensel explained.
Full Squads
U/16 Girls
Abigail Rowles, Catherine Mvula, Catriona Januarie, Danica Retief, Daniella van Coller, Ema Brink, Jessica Gresse, Juane Brand, Kaylee Oehley, Frances McCarthy, Maryke Kruger, Sienna Richards, Tayla du Plessis, Tuli Nott, Yasmine Milho and Zoe van Niekerk
U/16 Boys
Abraham Graham, Daniel Janse van Rensburg, Enzo Martin, Ethan January, Hercules Oosthuizen, Jadon McNally, Jorn Erdmannsky, Kotji Tjiteere, Liam Bruys, Lyle Bruys, Marco Wessels, Mark Wallace, Markus Botes, Shayan Azadeh, Stefan la Grange, Uaseinina Kahuure and Zach Philander
U/18 Girls
Alice Rowlene, Anine le Roux, Annica Higgs, Anri Jacobs, Erin Moffets, Jaime Gillies, Kerrin Gillies, Kayla Gillie, Kyla Landsburg, Marika Neethling, Marlene Coetzee, Mia Karstens, Milah Malan, Nicola Fourie, Onique Bezuidenhout, Tamara Grogli, Vauaa Tjingataete and Zoe Nott.
U/18 Boys
Connor Murphy, Iwann Van Staden, Ruben Smith, Xander van Rooyen, Dewald la Grange, Jack Fourie, James de Jager, Ludwig van Rooyen, Rudi Prinsloo, Samuel Venter, Christiano Festus, Dillan Sinclair, Keon Azadeh, Kieron Christ, Marcus Oliver, Rylan Bombosch, Willem Louren and Johan Junius
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na