The Zimbabwe U21 Men’s Hockey team is flying the flag high in Windhoek, Namibia, as they battle it out in the Junior Africa Cup. With their sights set on a top-table finish, the young squad has already shown plenty of promise, determination, and moments of real quality.
Their campaign opened with a tightly contested match against Kenya. Both sides created opportunities, but neither could break the deadlock, resulting in a goalless draw. It was a gritty performance from Zimbabwe, setting the tone for a team unafraid of hard work.
Their second fixture brought a well-earned reward. Facing Zambia, Zimbabwe turned up the intensity. Playing with heart and unity, the team fought from whistle to whistle and walked away 2-1 winners — a result that underlined their potential and hunger to compete at this level.
After a much-needed rest day, Zimbabwe faced a familiar challenge in hosts Namibia — a side that has traditionally held the upper hand in this fixture. Zimbabwe, despite a valiant and spirited display, suffered a 4-1 defeat.
With just two days remaining in the tournament, the road to the top remains steep. But if there’s one thing this young Zimbabwean side has proven, it’s that they’re ready to dig deep and leave everything on the field. The remaining fixtures are sure to test their mettle — and provide further chances to showcase the bright future of Zimbabwean hockey.
