The South African Hockey Association has unveiled the South African Under-21 Men’s Squad, a 38-player team set to compete in the SA Hockey IPT in September and the Junior Africa Cup in Ghana in October.
These tournaments serve as critical stepping stones towards the ultimate goal: qualification for the 2025 FIH Junior World Cup, an expanded 24-team competition.
Guided by the experienced coach Guy Elliott, the squad boasts a mix of seasoned players and promising new talent. Notably, eight members of this squad participated in the FIH Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur in December 2023, where South Africa secured a commendable 10th place finish.
This group includes senior-capped Calvin Davis, along with Damian Knott, Daniel Neuhoff, Thabang Jeyi, and Jaydon Brooker, all of whom bring invaluable experience to the team.
The selection process for the squad was rigorous, with players being chosen based on their performances at the South African U21 Hockey IPT held at the University of Cape Town.
The tournament concluded with Northern Blues emerging as champions, defeating Western Province in a thrilling final.
The full squad list is as follows:
Alexander Blows
Brett Horn
Calvin Davis
Carlon Mentoor
Casey Keevy
Cody Jacobs
Damian Knott
Daniel Den Bakker
Daniel Dillon
Daniel Neuhoff
David Baxter
Declan Erens
Diante Gordon
Gerard Rockman
Gianluca Virissimo
Jade Smith
James Flint
Jamie Seale
Jaydon Brooker
Josh de Klerk
Josh Opperman
Juan Schoeman
Kearabetswe Khoele
Kenton Melville
Liam Haupt
Michael Cowen
Mpumelelo Mathebe
Nkululeko Mfuneko
Ozair Pillai
Ross Montgomery
Sachin Padayachee
Sian Maart
Sirseko Sobekwa
Taine Tanner-Ellis
Thabang Jeyi
Tyler-Reed Napier
Viwe Mbata
Xola Karelse
The inclusion of players like Calvin Davis and Damian Knott, who have already showcased their skills on the international stage, underscores the depth and potential of this squad.
These players are expected to play pivotal roles as South Africa aims to secure a spot in the prestigious Junior World Cup.
Coach Guy Elliott expressed his confidence in the team, highlighting the blend of experience and youth. “This squad represents the future of South African hockey.
The combination of experienced players who have competed on the world stage and young talent eager to prove themselves is truly exciting. Our focus is on preparing thoroughly for the IPT and the Junior Africa Cup, with an eye on qualifying for the Junior World Cup.”
The upcoming tournaments will provide these young athletes with an opportunity to test their skills against some of the best teams in Africa.
The SA Hockey IPT in September will serve as a crucial preparation ground before the team heads to Ghana for the Junior Africa Cup in October. Success in these tournaments will be essential for South Africa’s ambitions on the global stage.
As the team gears up for these critical competitions, the South African hockey community will undoubtedly rally behind them, hoping to witness a new generation of players carve their names into the annals of the sport.
Photo: SA Hockey, X
