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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
AFTER making her debut with the senior national women’s hockey side early this year, Tinodiwanashe Elijah realised that with hard work and the right mindset anything is possible in this life.
Aged 16 then, she was the youngest player in the team that competed at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, in Ghana.
Interestingly, it was her first time playing for a national team.
“I was told I had made the travelling team in November 2021. It was so surreal when I received the news.
“I wanted to make the team so badly and I worked hard. I thought about the possibility of making the team but never expected it.
“As a young player it gave me hope and showed me that with hard work, sacrifice and the right mindset anything is possible.
“It was amazing playing with more experienced players. I learned from them and built a sisterhood along the way. Yes, I was the youngest but when we are on the field there is no age.
“I had not represented Zimbabwe prior to the Africa Cup due to Covid-19,” said Elijah.
The 17-year-old forward was also part of the Under-21 side that took part at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in South Africa, in April.
The event was initially scheduled for last year in December but was moved due to Covid-19.
Having been to the Africa Cup, Elijah believes that experience helped her going into the global tournament.
“The atmosphere was beyond amazing. We were among the best of the best in our age-group. It was an extraordinary experience and so unbelievable.
“Definitely, the Africa Cup did prepare me for the Junior World Cup mentally and physically,” said Elijah.
At the Junior World Cup, Zimbabwe won their first ever game when beating Canada at the tournament. Overall they were placed 12th as they moved four places up from their previous participation where they finished 16th.
“Our win against Canada just showed us and people back home that Zimbabwean hockey is on the rise. On the other hand, our losses revealed to us that we still have a long way to go to become the best.”
Among the best moments she had from the two tournaments, was scoring the opening goal against Uganda at the Africa Cup, which was her first ever goal as a national team player.
Elijah went to Twin Rivers Primary and is a Lower Six pupil at Arundel School.
She was part of the team that won the Central South Africa qualifier for the African Games that will be staged in Ghana next year. Zimbabwe are through to the Games.
The 17-year-old was one of the top scorers at the tournament with three goals for Zimbabwe.
The rising star fell in love with the sport at a young age, growing up surrounded by hockey players in her family. Her sister and brother – Tinayeishe and Tinokudzaishe – both played for the national teams.
“My siblings played hockey and I loved watching them. Our shared love for hockey bonded us closer together,” said Elijah.
She is a member of Redz Hockey Academy, which she says had been key in improving her game and is grateful to her family for supporting her.
“My family have been my biggest support system, encouraging and helping me every step of the way. I am beyond grateful. I would like to thank Redz Hockey Academy and all the coaches for their constant support in this journey.
“I want to continue to represent my country with honour and pride,” said Elijah.
Besides hockey she loves painting, watching movies and spending time with family and friends.
Tendayi Maredza, who led the Under-21 team at the World Junior Cup and also works with Elijah at Redz Hockey Academy, said the future is bright for the upcoming player.
“She is a very brilliant player, down to earth, listens to instructions, and always willing to work hard. She has got a bright future, I think she is one of a kind.
“When we first saw her come to the academy we were amazed by her talent and I think the sky is the limit if she just keeps working hard… She is going to be an asset for the Zimbabwe national ladies team for quite a while,” said Maredza.
Online Reporter