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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Under-21 ladies hockey team will begin its quest for World Cup glory with a match against the United States of America on November 24 when the finals roar into life in Santiago, Chile.

Zimbabwe were drawn in Pool A together with Korea Republic and defending champions Netherlands for the finals that will feature 16 teams.

The Trish Davies coached young girls will play their second game the next day against Korea Republic before wrapping up their group matches against defending champions Netherlands on November 27.

“We cannot expect anything less because it’s the best of the world. The ladies will give it their best,” said Hockey Association of Zimbabwe president Humphrey Chigwedere.

According to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Club Manquehue will play host to 10 days of high-speed, action packed hockey as the world’s rising stars battle to be crowned junior women’s world champions.

The classification matches begin on November 30, while the medal matches will be held on December 4, with the bronze medal match and the final taking place.

Hockey fans will be treated to six fixtures on each of the first two days of action, followed by four matches per day for the remainder of the event.

The opening day of play sees Asian junior champions China taking on Spain in the first match of the event in what should be a close encounter. Hosts Chile will be hoping to get their campaign off to a good start in front of their home fans against European junior bronze medallists England in the last match of the day.

Day two features two exciting all-European matches; European junior silver medallists Germany taking on France and rising stars Belgium and Spain going head to head later in the day.

Super Saturday then follows with the highlights including a showdown between commonwealth rivals England and Australia, while Germany and Argentina are bound to play out a fiery encounter.

Some tough challenges await Japan, who play Germany, and France, who take on women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2013 runners up Argentina.

 

Hockey Under-21 World Cup Pools

Pool A: Zimbabwe, USA, Netherlands, Korea Republic

Pool B: Argentina, France, Germany, Japan

Pool C: Australia, ChiLa, England, South Africa

Pool D: Belgium, China, New Zealand, Spain

 

Zimbabwe Under-21 hockey squad

Lauren Dent (England), Jordyn Clipstone (USA), Androniki Hiripis (Chelsea Drifters) Stephanie Campbell (SA), Michelle Kabaira (Lions), Simone Marchussen (Peterhouse), Cheryl Dzapasi (Chisipite), Aimee Nativel (SA), Kelly Diplock (Gateway), Jessica Dollar (SA), Stephanie Mauchaza (Scorpions), Erin Gray (Carguards), Tinayeishe Elijah (Lions), Tyler Groenwald (SA), Megan Shaxson (Peterhouse), Amber Hinze (Peterhouse), Kaleigh Graham (SA), Tyler Silk (SA), Carla Van Oudtshoorn (SA), Estelle Stambolie (Eng), Sinead Cockroft (Aus), Chelsea Dollar (SA), Kendal Revolta (Chelsea Drifters), Simone Herbst (Chisipite), Gugulethu Ndlovu (BAC), Joana Munengwa (Rising Stars), Sophie McDonald (SA), Shannon Hart (USA), Chiedza Chitseyo (UZ), Fariyah Shah (USA), Mufaro Mazambani (Chisipite), Amy Brooke (Chelsea Drifters).

Head Coach: Trish Davies

Assistant coach: Tendayi Maredza