Junior Africa Cup – Final Recap | Windhoek, Namibia
South Africa completed a golden campaign at the Junior Africa Cup in Windhoek, as both the U21 Men and Women defeated hosts Namibia to be crowned the Junior African Champions.
Having already secured qualification to the FIH Junior World Cup, South Africa’s final victories added the ultimate finishing touch to a superb tournament — with the Men and Women affirming their status as Africa’s finest.
Women’s Final: South Africa 5–0 Namibia
In the women’s final, South Africa faced a determined Namibian side that proved difficult to break down early on. However, once captain Caylin Maree opened the scoring in the 21st minute, South Africa took control of the match.
Ntsopa Mokoena continued her outstanding tournament with a brace, Maree added her second, and Jodie Blows put the finishing touches on a composed 5–0 victory.
This triumph marks South Africa’s eighth consecutive Junior Africa Cup title, having won every edition since 1997.
Men’s Final: South Africa 5–0 Namibia
The South African U21 Men were clinical in the final, producing a powerful display against Namibia to claim back-to-back Junior Africa Cup titles and a sixth title in the past seven editions.
Reuben Sendzul opened the scoring early, before tournament top scorer Jaydon Brooker netted twice to give South Africa a 3–0 lead at half-time. Ross Montgomery extended the advantage in the second half, with Viwe Mbata completing the 5–0 win late on.
South Africa’s U21 Men end the tournament unbeaten, scoring 41 goals and conceding just 5.
Africa’s World Cup Qualifiers Confirmed:
- Men: South Africa, Namibia, Egypt
- Women: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe
Individual Awards – South African Winners:
- Dan Dillion: Goalkeeper of the Tournament (Men)
- Caylin Maree: Top Goal Scorer (Women)
- Jaydon Brooker: Top Goal Scorer (Men)
- Ntsopa Mokoena: Player of the Tournament (Women)
- Jaydon Brooker: Player of the Tournament (Men)
South Africa will now prepare for the FIH Junior World Cup, where they will proudly represent Africa — arriving not just as participants, but as continental champions.
