Zimbabwe’s rising star Wightman ends school career on a high
There was a sense of optimism, excitement, and expectation when the Zimbabwe u18A girls’ team arrived in South Africa for the Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge in August.
The visitors took on the South African u17 girls in four tests at St David’s Marist Inanda, in Johannesburg.
It was an uphill battle against the home team, with Zimbabwe going down in all four games but showing great character and fight on the turf, despite the losses.
While the results didn’t go their way, there was a silver lining for the Zimbabwean side, with one of their players, Janelle Wightman, catching the eye with her standout performances in goal.
Wightman, who hails from Falcon College in Esigodeni, was on her game and pulled off some incredible saves to make the South African side work extra hard for their victories.
Her performances during the series came on the back of a tough and competitive season at her school.
“This season truly felt like a dream, and I can hardly believe how quickly it flew by,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“Our Falcon College first team accomplished so much. The growth and learning have been remarkable.”
Schools’ hockey has come on leaps and bounds in Zimbabwe, with several schools investing heavily in improving and growing their programmes.
Some, like Chisipite Senior School and Peterhouse, have competed in South African tournaments, with Chisipite in action at the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament, and Peterhouse contesting the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Festival.
Wightman said there is fierce competition within Zimbabwe. “The competition here is intense, with numerous schools showcasing a variety of playing styles and top skills,” the ‘keeper explained.
“It’s always a thrill to compete against all of them. This season, Falcon College faced several teams, including Arundel, Hellenic, Peterhouse Girls, and Chisipite.
“I’ve significantly improved my game thanks to our practices, and I genuinely enjoy growing and honing my skills with my team.”
The Falcon College learner, who looks up to senior players Tanatswa Mutaramuswa and Bradley Heuer, has represented her country at the u16, u18 and u21 levels.
She was also nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year at the Hyundai Hockey on 216 Awards and admitted it came as a surprise.
“I was absolutely thrilled when a friend told me about the nomination. I could hardly believe it! Initially, I didn’t even think I had a shot, and it filled me with pride,” she exclaimed.
Wightman will head to South Africa next year to pursue her studies in the Western Cape. “I’m moving to Somerset West for my studies and hope to keep playing at a hockey club there,” she said.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all my hockey coaches at Falcon College and from the Hockey Association of Zimbabwe, as well as to everyone who has contributed to my journey,” she ended.
