Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sport Editor
ZIMBABWE’s national Under-21 girls’ hockey team has received a major financial boost, with the government committing to fully support the squad’s participation in the upcoming Junior Women’s World Cup.
The Hockey Association of Zimbabwe confirmed the government’s full pledge after a successful engagement with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, providing immense relief to the association, which had been struggling with financial constraints ahead of the biennial global showpiece in Santiago, Chile, from 1 to 13 December.
The assurance comes as a huge relief for the association, which had been facing financial constraints in preparing for the prestigious tournament.
The Young Ladies are currently training in Harare and Bulawayo, while overseas-based players plying their trade in the United States, England, and the Netherlands are expected to join the squad in Santiago.
Zimbabwe booked their ticket to the World Cup after an impressive campaign at the Junior Africa Cup held earlier this year, where they finished as one of the continent’s top sides.
This will be Zimbabwe’s fifth appearance at the Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup, a platform that continues to nurture talent for the senior national team.
