By Asanda Naketi

Rhodes University student Thandolwethu Zono, who recently received a sport scholarship to the University of Massachusetts (UMASS), has arrived safely in the USA and will soon begin training.

In an interview with Grocott’s Mail last week, Zono said she couldn’t believe the reality of the opportunity. “When I sit down and think of how I got the scholarship, I realise it is God’s work as I couldn’t have done it on my own,” she says.
Zono who matriculated from Victoria Girl’s High School (VGHS) and who is currently in her second year of studying a Bcomm Accounting at Rhodes University, said she first heard about the hockey scholarship when a hockey coach from James Madison University visited South Africa looking for high school learners to fit the criteria of the scholarship. My name somehow got on the list of people to be considered for the scholarship.”

Zono first started playing hockey as a nine-year old and was captain of the VGHS 1st hockey team. She currently plays for Rhodes 1st X1. In 2008 she was a member of the U19 national side that played against Australia. Zono says she prefers playing centre link, but “can play any of the positions effectively, it just depends on the strength of the team.”

Her parents are ecstatic about their daughter’s achievement.

Zono’s mother Boniwe said “I am very proud of her and this is a lifetime opportunity for her.” Zono’s father, Maboy added “She is committed to what she does and it was her choice to follow hockey as she had participated in different sporting codes. Although she will be away from home for some time, Zono says she has every intention of remaining close to her roots. “Yes, I am going to the States but I am a Rhodent. My blood is purple [for Rhodes] and green for VGHS.