THE Namibia women’s junior hockey team is preparing for a landmark moment — their debut at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, 1 to 13 December 2025.
The 2025 Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup will be the 11th edition of the Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup, the biennial women’s under-21 field hockey world championship organised by the International Hockey Federation. It will be the fourth time the tournament will be hosted by Santiago. The tournament will feature 24 teams for the first time.
With determination high, captain Azaylee Philander and coach Cedric Makati shared their thoughts ahead of the tournament. For Namibia, the World Cup represents both a dream and a challenge.
“We would very much like to finish in the top three of our pool,” said captain Azaylee Philander. “We are in a strong group with Germany, India, and Ireland, so securing third place would be a great achievement and a platform to build from.”
Coach Cedric Makati emphasised practical targets, “My first expectation is to win a game in the pool stage. We know it’s a tough group, but it’s achievable.”
Team cohesion has been a key challenge in the lead-up to the event.
“Not all teammates have been able to attend training sessions,” Philander explained. “That’s one of our main hurdles. But once we arrive in Chile and start practice matches, we will overcome it.”
Makati echoed her view but remained confident, “We have players based in South Africa and Europe. The biggest challenge is to get everyone playing together as one team. But we will get there.”
Namibia faces a tough group alongside India, Germany, and Ireland, yet both captain and coach are approaching it with respect and confidence.
“To India, Germany, and Ireland — we are honoured to play against you,” said Philander. “Namibia will give our best.”
Makati added, “We know every team is training hard. We are doing the same. We will not hold back. Let’s give each other strong matches and may the best team win.”
This will mark Namibia’s first-ever appearance in Chile, a milestone for the team.
“Playing for your country comes with amazing opportunities. Santiago is the perfect place for a Junior World Cup,” said Philander.
“For many of the girls, this is their first major international tournament,” Makati noted. “The opening game against India will be tough, but we will take it step by step.”
“To all our supporters — parents, sponsors, and family — thank you for your backing. We hope to make you proud,” Philander said.
“Namibia, thank you for supporting us. The girls are ready to step up. And to the fans in Chile, come cheer us on and see what Africa can deliver,” added Makati.
The six pools of the tournament, which will feature 24 teams, have been determined as follows:
Pool A: Netherlands, Japan, Chile, Malaysia
Pool B: Argentina, Belgium, Zimbabwe, Wales
Pool C: Germany, India, Ireland, Namibia
Pool D: England, South Africa, China, Austria
Pool E: Australia, Spain, Canada, Scotland
Pool F: United States, Korea, New Zealand, Uruguay
The FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 kicks off in Santiago, Chile, where Namibia aims to make a strong impression on the international stage, one stride at a time.
Source: FIH Hockey
