SA U21 womens hockey team gears up for the 2025 FIH Junior World Cup

This is after SA’s recent automatic qualification to the Youth World Cup after being crowned African Champions in Namibia.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Brown admits their preparations programme for the world showpiece will resume slightly later than they wish due to financial constraints.

"Unfortunately, due to what's going on at school and varsity level, with interprovincial and inter-varsity competitions, we obviously don't have the time or finances to have another camp before then.

"So we'll play Senior IPT at the end of July, and then we're hoping to have the final selection camp at the start of September, and then after that we'll pick the final team for the junior world cup," said the experienced coach.

READ: James Moloi notes unfinished business as Athletics SA president

South Africa sealed a dominant 5-0 win against host Namibia to secure the 2025 African Championships title. Brown reflects on the team’s overall performance and returning home with the coveted continental trophy.

"I'm pretty happy about where we're at after the Junior Africa Cup, it's never easy going up into Africa because there are a lot of things you can't control, that playing at any other international level, you wouldn't have to deal with.

"I think the team handled the variables well, and overall put together some good performances considering we haven't played together since August last year," said Brown.

Brown says that she is glad that the junior team now has a chance to compete against the best in the World Cup, and adds that it is a testament to the fact that hockey is in a healthy place when it comes to school structures in South Africa.

Brown further admits that it is going to be a challenge to host a thorough World Cup preparations programme due to financial constraints, which she believes will unfortunately put them on the back foot ahead of the world showpiece, taking place later this year in Chile.