admin
The Herald, August 16, 1980
THE usual three cheers were trebled last night when Zimbabwe’s golden hockey girls were treated to a civic reception by the Salisbury City Council.
Plaques of the city, inscribed with the girls’ names and Olympic Gold Medallist 1980, were presented to the team and officials who accompanied them to Moscow.
Later they were guests of honour at a banquet.
On top of the honours heaped on them since their return to Zimbabwe, the team is to be given a reception at Government House today where they will meet the President and Mrs Banana.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
• The Golden Girls were true heroines of the country as they did not only win the country’s first ever sporting silverware but they won gold at the 1980 Olympics.
• It is not how you start a race that counts, but how you finish.
The team was included in the Olympics as almost an afterthought.
It was ill prepared for the games and had very little time to prepare, but despite that, the girls matched their much fancied and better prepared opponents winning three games and drawing two on their way to the final which they won 4-1.
• When sportspersons represent their country, they need to be properly supported and incentivised in order for them to do well.
During half-time of their final match of the Golden Girls, the then Minister of Sports promised each player an ox and they went on to win the game. The minister’s promise increased the hockey players’ confidence.
• When national teams do well, they should be feted and also rewarded for putting the country’s name and flag on the map.
• Recently, the moot team of Zimbabwe were crowned European champions and for their efforts the team received US$30 000 from the President.
Online Reporter