The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup returns to Malaysia for the first time since 1989 when it takes place in December this year. It will be the 13th edition of the Junior Men’s pinnacle event and the South African Hockey U21 Men will be making their seventh consecutive appearance, having secured their spot when they won the Junior African Championship in Egypt.
The Pools were released this weekend and the South African Men have learnt their opposition in the pool stage as they look continue the upward trend that saw a 9th place finish in the 2021 event.
South Africa will open their campaign on the 5 December 2023 when they take on the ever present Germany, by far the most successful team in the history of the competition with 6 titles to their name. 24 hours later they will take on their African neighbours Egypt in a repeat of the Junior African Cup of Nations Final, which the South Africans won on a shootout.
After a day’s rest the SA Men will then take on France with the hope that a place in the top 8 is still up for grabs. France will be a tough battle with the French youngsters winning a surprise silver medal in 2021.
South African Head Coach Guy Elliott shared his thoughts on the draw:
“We can’t wait to get going and head to Malaysia to test ourselves against the best Junior nations in World Hockey. An African derby offers added excitement to play against our neighbours at a global stage. The gentlemen selected will do their best to make the country and all our supporters proud!”
All details about the team, the preparation and tv schedules will be shared on the SA Hockey platforms closer to the time.
