Randiek optimistic as U-21 teams depart for African Champs

Kenya Under-21 men’s and women’s hockey teams are set to depart for Namibia on Tuesday ahead of the rescheduled 2024 Junior Africa Cup, which kicks off this Friday in Windhoek.

Originally planned for last year, the tournament now serves as a crucial pathway to qualification for the 2025 Junior World Cup in India.

Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) President Nahashon Randiek is confident that both teams have what it takes to punch their tickets to the global stage.

“I believe we have a strong chance to qualify for the Junior World Cup. It’s ours to lose. If we give our all and stay focused, I don’t see us missing out,” said Randiek.

The KHU unveiled provisional squads last Friday, with 25 players selected for each team from an initial pool of 100 who had been in residential training. These squads will be trimmed down to 19 players each ahead of the teams' departure.

In the men’s competition, Kenya has been drawn in Pool A alongside hosts Namibia, South Africa, and Nigeria. Pool B features Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

On the women’s side, Kenya is in Pool B with Zimbabwe and Zambia, while Pool A consists of South Africa, Namibia, and Uganda—following Ghana’s withdrawal due to financial constraints.

The men’s team will open their campaign against Nigeria on April 18, then face South Africa on the 21st before concluding the group stage against Namibia on the 22nd.

The women’s team begins its campaign on April 21 against Zimbabwe and wraps up the group phase with a clash against Zambia on April 22.