As the dust settles on the historic double triumph at the Junior Africa Cup, South Africa’s next generation of hockey stars will quickly shift their focus to another major challenge — the 2025 SA Hockey Under 21 Interprovincial Tournament, hosted at Cornwall Hill College from 29 April to 3 May.
With momentum firmly behind them, and a place at the FIH Junior World Cup looming on the horizon, players will be eager to stake their claim for selection in what promises to be an action-packed week of elite youth hockey.
Both the men’s and women’s tournaments will see eight teams vying for national glory, split into two pools of four. After the completion of the round-robin stages, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff race.
Women’s Tournament Pools:
- Pool A: North West (Defending Champions), KZN Raiders, Mpumalanga, Southern Gauteng
- Pool B: Western Province (2024 Runners-Up), Free State, Northern Blues (Hosts), Eastern Province
North West will look to defend their crown but face stiff competition from a Southern Gauteng side brimming with talent, a gritty KZN Raiders squad, and a Mpumalanga team hungry to upset the order. In Pool B, Western Province will be chasing redemption after last year’s final heartbreak, while Free State, the hosting Northern Blues, and Eastern Province will all be eyeing a top-two finish.
Men’s Tournament Pools:
- Pool A: Eastern Province, North West, Northern Blues (Defending Champions & Hosts), Mpumalanga
- Pool B: Western Province (2024 Runners-Up), Southern Gauteng, Free State, KZN Raiders
Northern Blues will look to ride the energy of a home crowd as they begin their title defense, while Eastern Province and North West will look to spoil the party. Meanwhile, Pool B promises fireworks, with Western Province seeking to go one better than their 2024 campaign, but facing a stern challenge from a powerful Southern Gauteng unit, a determined Free State side, and a traditionally spirited KZN Raiders outfit.
With national selectors watching closely and World Cup dreams on the line, expect passion, pride, and a showcase of the incredible depth of South African hockey talent.
The road to the Junior World Cup heats up — and it all starts here at Cornwall Hill College.
