Embracing the role of a veteran: Onthatile Zulu looks ahead to the Nations Cup

SA hockey star Onthatile Zulu is looking forward to her first big tournament experience since the Paris Olympics, as she embraces her role as one of the veterans in a young national team brimming with exciting talent.

The SA women’s national hockey team is gearing up for the FIH Women’s Hockey Nations Cup 2 tournament in Poland from June 16 to 22 that includes Uruguay, Malaysia and hosts Poland.

It is a platform for emerging national teams to showcase their talent on the international stage, with the opportunity to gain promotion to the FIH Nations Cup.

“Preparations are going well. Although I haven’t been centralised with the team, playing league games weekly and training have helped me prepare physically and mentally,” said the 25-year-old hockey player who is based in Cape Town.

“I’m excited to head to an international competition, especially since the last big tournament dynamic I experienced was at the Olympic Games in Paris last year.”

That was a second Olympic Games, the other being Tokyo, for a player whose storied hockey journey has also taken her to a World Cup and Commonwealth Games. “The Olympic experience has elevated my game and experience. Competing against the best allows you to perform better and has greatly enhanced my knowledge of the game and tactics,” she said.

She admits that being one of the senior members of the team brings with it extra responsibility, “but the most important thing for me is to do my best for the team and lead by example on the field”.

Her 64 caps is second only to Quanita Bobbs (180) in a squad where three players – Cerian Fourie, Daniela de Oliveira and Shanna Mendonca – will be in line to make their debuts. Three others have less than 20 caps.

Fellow Paris 2024 Olympians such as Edith Molikoe, Hannah Pearce, Ntsopa Mokoena, and Ongeziwe Mali also add valuable experience to head coach Inky Zondi’s team. 

Zulu fondly recalls the role players like Celia Seerane, Lilian du Plessis and Erin Christie played in supporting her as a young player coming through the ranks and is ready to pay it forward.

“I’ve learnt that nothing will be given to you; you need to work hard for the team to add value and contribute to its success. Playing with pride for my country is also a big lesson I aim to pass on,” she said.

Hockey has been a significant part of Zulu’s life since she first stepped onto the field at 6 years old, and she has been representing South Africa since 2019.

However, her next challenge will take her away from familiar turf. Zulu is preparing to take part in a global fitness competition, partnering with HYROX athlete Matthew Stone for her first hybrid race in Cape Town in July.

HYROX is a gruelling, competitive fitness race that blends endurance and functional strength, with eight workout stations and eight 1km runs in-between. It is a high-intensity test of physical grit and mental stamina.

“If I can show people that it’s okay to try something new, even if it scares you a little, then that’s a win for me. Especially for women who look like me,” Zulu said.

And her hockey game is already also scoring from her foray into unfamiliar territory, as the Red Bull athlete continues to be a trailblazer.

“The hybrid training I’ve done through HYROX has helped me train under fatigue, which is beneficial for hockey, as fatigue is common during games due to the amount of running involved.”

With her naturally explosive speed and flair on the hockey field, the national hockey team is sure to be the real winner.