The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
THE Terblanche sisters, Natalie and Alexei, are the true embodiment of the adage that ‘sisterhood and friendship are two words that mean the same thing’.
The girls are two upcoming hockey stars, bonded but not only blood but their love of the sport and big dreams.
They both want to play for Zimbabwe at Tokyo 2020 and they can dare to dream after experiencing such a feat, albeit at Youth Olympics level in Buenos Aires in 2018.
The Tokyo dream came about when both were included in the national ladies’ indoor hockey squad set to play in an Olympic qualifying tournament in South Africa in August.
They are also part of the indoor team to face South Africa and Botswana in a series from May 27-June 2 in Durban.
“Natalie is someone I love to play with because we just work so well together,” said the 17-year-old Alexei who plays forward.
“We know exactly where we should be at the right time without even saying anything and also it motivates me when I play with her because we’re both so enthusiastic about this sport.
“It just brings such a good vibe to the game for us.”
“When Natalie and I are off the field we normally talk about what mistakes we made and we try help each other on how to fix it and what we could do better.
“We’re sisters and we could tell each other our mistakes without getting hurt because we like to learn and know what we’ve done wrong in the game or at practice,” she said.
Natalie is a Chisipite senior school Advanced Level student who has also competed in athletics at national level as well as in Waterpolo.
“The youth Olympics was our major highlight so far. I’ve always wanted to go to the real Olympics with my sister for hockey because I think it would just be unbelievable playing with my sister at such a high level.”
Natalie chipped in.
“Playing at the Youth Olympics with Alexei was quite emotional especially on the days when she was dominating.
“It’s such a special feeling to see your younger sister do so well at such a high level and when both of us play with lots of heart and encouragement it’s an amazing thing to be a part of.
“In August there is a tournament where we get the chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
“Qualifying for the Olympics has always been a dream of mine! “And if it’s with my sister I couldn’t ask for anything better.
“That would by far be the best thing we would have achieved together and that would make all our family and friends proud,” said the 18-year-old.
Growing up on a farm in Karoi, Alexei and Natalie were very active kids.
“I think being farm kids has always kept us active, when it came to sports we were always keen to run around,” said Natalie.
Their elder sister Daniella (21) is also a former Chisipite School student who also played for Zimbabwe Under 18.
Natalie is grateful for her parents Sian and Henk, who have been supportive.
“Our parents do play a huge part in all of this, they have helped us from day one.
They have been with us all the way- even travelled with us to Argentina for the Youth Olympics- and supported us through all the bad games and all the good games.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today, without our parents.”
