Madibaz student-athlete Cheneal Raubenheimer will make her international debut this month after being named in the South African hockey side for the African Indoor Cup.
Madibaz hockey star Cheneal Raubenheimer will make her debut for the South African indoor team at the African Indoor Cup in Durban from April 15 to 18. Photo: Supplied
The tournament, which also includes Namibia and Botswana, will take place in Durban from April 15 to 18.
Raubenheimer lives in Schauderville in Port Elizabeth and hoped her national selection would inspire others.
“It really means a lot to me because I’m representing the Eastern Cape, which is not recognised as a major indoor hockey province,” the 24-year-old said. “So it’s great to get that recognition.
“Secondly, I hope that my selection brings a message to the community in which I live, which is faced with deep socio-economic challenges.
“Especially for the younger generation it shows that if you really want something, you can rise above whatever stands in your way.
“It’s never about where you’re from, it’s about where you’re going, and that should always be the focus.”
Raubenheimer’s family moved to Butterworth when she was 10 years old and then to East London before she ended up back in Port Elizabeth, where she is currently doing her final year in development studies and economics.
Her talent was recognised by the national selectors when she was chosen for the SA U18 and U21 outdoor hockey teams, during which time she attended the Youth Olympic Games in China in 2014.
Madibaz Sport hockey manager Cheslyn Gie said Raubenheimer’s selection was just reward for hard work.
“Cheneal has improved her fitness and is in the best shape I have ever seen her,” he said. “Her selection will inspire many youngsters from our province to take the indoor game more seriously.
Gie added that Raubenheimer’s selection showed it was possible to excel in academics and on the sports field.
“She is a dedicated student and has done extremely well to achieve academically and on the indoor court. It underlines what you can do with proper time management.”