In a historic performance at the 2025 Indoor Hockey World Cup in Poreč, Croatia, Namibia’s women’s indoor hockey team secured their first-ever quarterfinal berth with a commanding 7-0 victory over New Zealand. This win also marked the first time the team has achieved consecutive victories at the World Cup.
The Namibian squad, captained by Magreth Mengo, showcased exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament. Their journey to the quarterfinals underscores the significant progress Namibian women’s hockey has made on the international stage.
This achievement builds upon Namibia’s impressive track record in recent years. The team has been a dominant force in African indoor hockey, clinching the Indoor Africa Cup title multiple times. Notably, they secured the championship in 2021 in Durban, South Africa, by defeating the host nation 2-0 in the final. In October 2022, Namibia continued their strong performance by winning a five-match test series against South Africa, with standout player Azaylee Philander emerging as the top scorer with eight goals.
The team’s success is also attributed to the leadership of coach Erwin Handura, who has been instrumental in developing women’s hockey in Namibia. Under his guidance, Namibia’s under-21 women’s team made history in 2004 by winning a bronze medal at the Junior African Nations Cup, marking the country’s first international hockey medal since independence.
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As Namibia advances to the quarterfinals, the nation eagerly anticipates their continued success and hopes for a deep run in the tournament. This milestone not only highlights the team’s dedication and hard work but also serves as an inspiration for the future of Namibian hockey.
