By Rangarirai Shanyurai
Alea Ashely Musakaruka (19) a student at Kyle College in Masvingo is rising in the field of Hockey, as she was recently selected to join the Zimbabwe Women’s National Team while still in high school.
Musakaruka, born on August 2, 2005, started playing hockey in grade 4 at Kyle Preparatory School where all juniors needed to play at least one sport.
She said her talent was discovered by the coaches when she was in grade 5 and started playing for the senior team.
“In 2016 when l was in grade 5, l was already playing for the senior school team and I perfected my skills through practice until I joined the provincial team the very same year. My dedication has earned me a place in the Zimbabwe Women’s National Team and will be on national duty this August,” said Musakaruka.
She holds several positions in sports at Kyle College as she also participates in track events and tennis ball.
“I am the first team Girls Hockey Captain with full school colours, Girls Athletics Captain with half colours, Head of Sports Committee and the Orion House Captain.
“I am a flexible athlete, shining in both track, field and tennis ball where I made a name for myself representing Zimbabwe in the schools Tennis tournament,” said Musakaruka.
Musakaruka said in five years, her goal was to excel in hockey while pursuing aeronautical studies in aviation and she believes with hard work, determination and faith she will make it.
“Within the next five years, I will be far in hockey while pursuing higher education in aeronautical studies and aviation. I am confident that through hard work, unwavering determination and faith. I will successfully achieve my goals and reach new heights in both academia and athletics.
“Balancing school and sport especially hockey is very straining especially when you are studying Advanced Level mathematics and physics. However I am trying my best with the support of my family and friends who endlessly encourage me,” she said.
Musakaruka encouraged other young athletes around Zimbabwe to put God first and be dedicated to what they do if they are to make it.
“To the young athletes out there I encourage you to dream big, put God first and always have pride and passion. With dedication and perseverance you can achieve your goals,” she said.
