Beyond the field: Thati Zulu on Olympic dreams, HYROX and leading by example

At just six-years-old, Onthatile "Thati" Zulu held a hockey stick for the first time in Pretoria. What started as a compulsory primary school activity quickly transformed into a lifelong passion.

"I remember having to sign up for extra-curriculars, and I told my mother that I wanted to play hockey, tennis, and I also wanted to swim," Zulu recalled in an interview with Eyewitness News. She ended up buying me a hockey stick, and I have enjoyed it ever since. I was always with friends, playing on weekends... At Rietondale, we had like super cool tournaments. Ever since then, I think I've just fallen in love with the sport."

Behind her, a single powerful pillar stood: her mother. Balancing school, provincial trials and international dreams required dedication, but her mother ensured that no obstacles stood in her way.

"My mum tried really hard to make sure that I had everything possible that I wanted at the time," Zulu said. " She's just been, I guess, a pillar of strength in my journey, in my story, and I think these are fruits of her labour."

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Proteas hockey player Onthatile "Thati" Zulu. Picture: Red Bull Content Pool

Zulu made her senior South African Proteas debut in 2019. Shortly after, she earned a place in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic squad during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stepping onto the world stage without fans present was a surreal, nerve-wracking start. Yet, by the time the Paris 2024 Olympic Games arrived, Zulu had evolved into a confident leader.

"Two completely different athletes," Zulu noted when comparing her Olympic appearances. "Confidence-wise and experience-wise, I was more experienced in Paris 2024, which showed in my performance.... Having my mom also in the stands gave me that extra energy."

Her elite play on the turf is backed by rigorous preparation off it. Working closely with sports scientist Demi Leach, Zulu follows a hockey-specific training routine rather than generic gym programs, focusing on movements that protect her body and boost performance. Supported by Red Bull, which grants her access to their Athlete Performance Centre in Austria, Zulu focuses on durability.

"I'm constantly bending, I'm constantly taking shots," she explained. "Specific gym programs help me stay on the field and stay healthy and fit to be able to represent my country."

Olympic hockey player Onthatile "Thati" Zulu during a training session. Picture: Red Bull Content Pool

Off the pitch, Zulu describes herself as humorous, passionate, chatty and open-minded. Her adventurous spirit recently took her to a South African HYROX fitness event, where she and her partner placed 11th overall- an impressive result for her first attempt. Looking ahead, her athletic bucket list includes playing club hockey in Argentina to experience their intense sporting culture, as well as a dream holiday in Fiji.

When the pressure of international sport mounts, Zulu regains her footing by returning to the core reason she plays: pure enjoyment. "I remind myself why I started playing the sport, which is the joy of it and the fun of it," she shared. "Having fun is also part of performing at a high level... I also remind myself of all the sacrifices that I've made to get to that point."

As one of South Africa's prominent hockey stars, Zulu embraces her position as a role model for young girls across the nation. " Representation is so important, and I wish I had role models to look up to that are doing what I'm doing now," she reflected. "I want people who look like me to be like 'You know what? I can also do what she's doing."

If she could advise her 16-year-old self, receiving her first Proteas Schools call-up, Zulu's message is clear: "Chase your dreams... You don't have to focus on the noise. Not everyone is for you, and that's also okay. But the people who support you are in your corner... keep them close to you."

Looking to the future, Zulu hopes her legacy extends far beyond match statistics. "I would want people to remember me for the passion that I have for the game.... and the respect that I had for my country and my badge," she said. "And off the field....someone who left the sport in a better place."