The Sunday Mail
The fruit of labour is all the sweeter for the sweat.
For 28-year-old fruit farmer and hockey player Gary “Gazza” Breitenstein this could not be any truer following his inclusion in the Zimbabwe men’s squad for the Africa Hockey Series in Bulawayo next month.
The Stallions player said: “It’s always a privilege representing Zimbabwe, and hopefully if everything goes to plan that will be the case for the upcoming tournament.”
Also at the tournament will be Egypt, Namibia and Zambia.
It was Breitenstein’s comeback season in the local league after spending four years in the UK, and he did enough in Stallions’ colours to earn a national team call-up.
“I was rather surprised at being picked, but that said, I’m excited about the opportunity to potentially play amongst some incredibly talented individuals,” he said.
“I was living in the UK for the last four years. I played hockey for the entirety of my stay, playing for the Isle of Wight and Wimbledon Hockey Club in London.
“It was great exposure, although I found it tough balancing work, studies and hockey, so I don’t believe I played to my full potential there. I’m certainly happier being back and playing in sunny Zimbabwe,” said Breitenstein, who has represented Zimbabwe at U16 and U18 levels.
He has also played for Northerns at U21 level in the South African IPT.
Gazza is a farm boy with big dreams. “I’m managing Dodhill Nursery which takes up the majority of my time with our fruit tree production programme where we’re looking to resuscitate the fruit export industry.
“I’ve come from a farming background, it is a passion indeed. Part of my reasoning for moving back to Zimbabwe was to try and set up (joint venture) community projects where we assist in the management aspects of farming in an attempt to generate exports and in turn empower local communities. I’m still working on these models and excited for the future, I feel Zim has great potential.
“It’s quite a tricky balance between work and hockey. I’ve predominantly been focused on fitness, and when I’m in Harare, I spend time at the turf practicing and improving the skills dimension of my game.”
