Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE hockey has lost one of its true heroines, Joan Stephens, who died in Bulawayo on Friday, at the age of 90.
It was a case of sudden death on the evening, according to her son, Gavin.
Joan was a former national team player who represented the country from 1956 to 1978.
She was once selected to represent South Africa as well.
Her 22 years as a national team player place her among the longest-serving sports personalities to don national colours without interruption. It could even stand as a record for the longest period of national representation in any women’s sport in the country.
According to Gavin, Joan played for local club Putts before later turning out for Old Miltonians.
“She represented Matabeleland for nearly four decades. But she was more than just a player, as she was involved in hockey administration for 36 years, was a national selector, and managed a number of national ladies teams,” said Gavin, himself a former national team player and former Hockey Association of Zimbabwe president.
A former Dominican Convent pupil, Joan also coached at the school.
Other schools she worked with as a coach were Hillside Junior School and Milton High School, something Gavin said she did to give back to the sport she earnestly loved.
For her sterling service to the game, Joan was recognised by the Matabeleland Hockey Board and made Honorary Life Vice President.
The Hockey Association of Zimbabwe also made her a Life Honorary Member, while the Africa Hockey Federation recognised her contribution to the sport.
“She will be remembered by thousands of hockey-playing folk now spread across the world. She was uncompromising when it came to fairness in sport, equal opportunity and just selection of teams,” said Gavin.
Her family carries a deep and lasting association with sport in the country.
Jessie Stephens, her mother-in-law, was a Rhodesian Bowls champion and national representative, while her brothers Brian and Des Sanderson played cricket and rugby, respectively.
Her husband Roy played national hockey, as did sons Des and Gavin.
Her daughter Sally Adamson is a former national tennis champion.
The hockey genes have been passed on to the third generation, with grandsons Ross, Jonty and Daniel all active in the sport.
She followed her grandsons on the pitches with passion.
Joan was also deeply drawn to the wilderness, especially the Matobo Hills, where she hiked many a weekend.
She was a keen and knowledgeable amateur botanist who knew her birds and loved the bush and game viewing.
She is survived by three children, Gavin, Des and Sall, and four grandchildren, all of sporting lineage.
