A hockey star’s childhood dream of representing South Africa on international level has become a reality.
Shindre-Lee Simmons (24) made her dream debut helping the senior national team to win the 2022 Women’s Hockey Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
This eight-nation tournament was held in Accra, Ghana, from 17 to 23 January.
South Africa faced Ghana for the fifth consecutive final of this tournament on Sunday (23/01), and beat Ghana by 3 – 1 to maintain their unblemished winning record.
The other nations that competed are Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Namibia, Zambia and Uganda.
Simmons’ debut has been made even more memorable with the team going through to the 2022 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup, to be hosted by Spain and the Netherlands.
The Kovsie captain’s first international match for the senior side was South Africa’s 3 – 0 victory over Zimbabwe, when she added her name to a list of illustrious players produced by the University of the Free State (UFS).
Simmons, an honours student in Business Administration, became the 22nd UFS women’s player to represent South Africa at senior level.
The Welkom-born star said she is proud to represent her country.
“Being able to represent your country is the pinnacle of a sporting career. I’m excited and ready to learn and grow in the sport,” said Simmons.
Although she has been in Protea squads before, Simmons had to wait a few years to make her international debut with the senior women’s team.
She was one of four players to play their first match for the Proteas at the Women’s Hockey Africa Cup of Nations. The others are Nompilo Thenjwayo, Stephanie Botha and Hanrie Louw.
Simmons hopes to continue representing her country, with her immediate goal being to make the team that will represent South Africa at the world cup.
“The hockey calendar includes the world cup and Commonwealth Games. I definitely would like to be included in that team.”
Simmons said her passion for the sport grew from the age of ten, while she was a learner at the St Michael’s School.
“I enjoyed the environment and the balance of playing team sports and squash, and I enjoyed playing with friends.”
Simmons said she looked up to her hockey mentor, Marieta Lotter, who had coached her from Gr. 3 to Gr. 7.
“She had an unwavering passion and drive. She played a fundamental role in my exposure to hockey,” she said.
“Braam van Wyk, principal, always availed his resources. As a whole, the school has given me a hockey foundation for which I’m forever grateful.”
Although coming to Bloemfontein from the small town of Kroonstad at a young age was an adjustment for the hockey star, she enjoyed the support of her parents and teachers.
“My upbringing was filled with sports.”
