Photo/source credit: Reabetswe Phume

Reabetswe Phume’s journey from a football enthusiast to a hockey prodigy is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. As a senior at St Stithians Girls College, Phume not only dominates the school-level hockey scene but also shines brightly on the international stage, representing South Africa’s Women’s Hockey Team. Her story is one of relentless pursuit, unwavering determination, and the triumph of spirit.

“I actually never wanted to play hockey… I actually was aspiring to be a footballer, and I always looked up to Lionel Messi,” Phume recalled, reminiscing about her early beginnings. It was a fortunate encounter at Brescia High School that ignited her curiosity and set her on a path of discovery. “I started… very social, so I wasn’t as competitive. Then I got into the habit, and I could see that I actually had the talent for it, and I had the passion for it,” she reflects, revealing the her love for hockey.

“I saw players, fiddling with sticks and balls, and I was very curious as to what that sport was.” Phume revealed. 

Transitioning from the familiar confines of school-level hockey to the demanding world of international competition was a daunting task. “It’s such a massive difference it’s fun, you play with your friends; it’s still competitive, but at an under 18 kind of standard,, but when you go to South Africa, you know, the intensity increases and there is just high performance throughout.,” Phume acknowledged. 

The shift in expectations and the relentless pursuit of excellence demanded a new level of commitment and preparation. “It’s all about performance at the end of the day. So you need to be performing well all the time,” she affirmed, recognizing the magnitude of the challenge.

“I didn’t expect to get programmes, I got fitness programmes, and I got really good at weightlifting. I didn’t expect myself to be able to do those types of things when I entered the system.” revealed the hockey star 

Despite the new found obstacles, Phume remains undeterred, navigating the delicate balance between academics and hockey with grace and determination. “I say to myself listen, I have so and so to do for school, and then I have this and this to do for training and I always fit it into the day,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of planning, discipline and self-care in her journey.

“I also came to the realisation that I need to understand that I am still a school girl and I need to take time and give myself a break.” revealed the matriculant. 

As a Grade 12 student, Phume comprehends the challenges and pressures inherent in completing her final year of school. Thankfully, she benefits from a robust support system from her parents and teachers, who assist her in striking a balance between her academic commitments and her pursuit of a career in professional hockey.

“I have been balancing it (school and professional hockey) pretty well, and it’s nice to have the support from my parents as well as the teachers who are very accommodating at the school (St Stithians Girls College). So it hasn’t been a challenge yet, but I know there are still many more challenges to face. But it’s been amazing.”

Phume’s unwavering faith and self-care practices serve as pillars of strength, enabling her to overcome self-doubt and navigate the pressures of representing her country. “I think, on a personal level I think just prayer I have a really strong relationship with God, and to always have that person to have your back,” she shares, reflecting on the role of spirituality in her resilience.

Her journey is not without nerves and tension, but Phume finds solace in the unwavering support of her teammates and mentors. “I won’t lie, and I hated admitting it, I was very, very nervous to enter the squad and see all of these, amazing role models that I looked up to, and, to now have the chance to play with them (the South African Hockey Squad), and, set a standard for myself,” she admits, acknowledging the vulnerability that comes from chasing one’s dreams.

The camaraderie and friendship cultivated during her time with the South African hockey team have represented a significant transformation for Phume. Transitioning from a position of supporting and admiring her teammates to actively participating alongside them on the pitch has been an immense honour for her.

“I really love Quanita Bobb’s, Erin Christie and Onthatile Zulu. Those are the main three that I really looked up to. I was really nervous to meet them, I hate admitting this, because they probably are going to make fun of me. They’ve been my role models and to have the opportunity to play with them. I think it’s an honour.”

The hockey star was given an immense opportunity to compete at the 2024 Hockey5s World Cup in Oman, under the mentorship of her coach Tsoanelo Pholo. This marked a significant milestone within the hockey prodigy’s path, made possible through the help of ProTouch Africa and their Podium Pursuit project.

Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “It’s always such a privilege to play for your country, and it’s so emotional as well. When I saw my name on there, I was so excited, I was ready to kick off because I had just previously come back from the Junior World Cup, which was an excellent experience, as well. So, to go play in the first-ever Hockey5s World Cup. I mean, that it’s incredible.” Through the Podium Pursuit initiative, the South African Women’s Hockey5s team earned the chance to showcase their talents on the global stage, ultimately securing a commendable fourth place at the World Cup.

As she embarks on the next chapter of her journey, Phume remains resolute in her pursuit of excellence. “I do want to go study abroad. But also, alongside that, I really do want to go play abroad, and also get that exposure from outside of the country as well,” she reveals, demonstrating her insatiable hunger for growth and exploration.

The necessity for role models within sports, especially within the South African context, cannot be overstated. Despite her youth and her entire hockey career lying ahead, Phume holds aspirations of one day filling the shoes of the role models and teammates who have blazed the trail before her.

“I think not being in your head too much. I used to do that a lot and I learned now to not overthink, or overanalyze anything, because you tend to be in your head a lot, and you tend to overthink the game and the pressure that comes with it. “

“Sometimes you just have to go play and express the person that you are and the player that you are at the end of the day.” This sentiment underscores her approach to the game, emphasizing the importance of playing with authenticity and freedom, rather than succumbing to the pressures of overthinking.”

In Phume’s story, we find inspiration—a reminder that with unwavering dedication, unyielding perseverance, and a steadfast belief in oneself, any dream is within reach. As she continues to illuminate the hockey field with her brilliance, Reabetswe Phume stands as a beacon of hope and possibility, inspiring countless others to chase their dreams relentlessly.

ABOUT PROTOUCH AFRICA

PROTOUCH AFRICA is a purpose-led and Sports Tech business founded in 2016 with a focus on enabling African Athletes to perform on the World Stage. 

It is pioneering new ways for fans to interact and engage with their favourite teams, leagues, and athletes and enable alternative revenue streams.

ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit Project is focused on creating a transparent and sustainable funding mechanism for the next generation of African Athletes. Its vision is to launch the World’s first fan-owned impact investment platform for African Athletes in Q1 of 2024 by assembling an ecosystem of top-performing athletes, their fans, and the brands that support them.