LERATO TLALE NAMED MANAGER OF THE NATIONAL UNDER-21 HOCKEY TEAM

Lerato Tlale

By: Neo Ntsele

The newly appointed manager of the National Under-21 Women’s Hockey team, Lerato Tlale, aims to lead the team to victory.

The 42-year-old from Bochabela, within the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State, took on the role of team manager on July 24th and expressed her eagerness to guide the team towards significant achievements.

“As the manager of the South Africa Under-21 Women’s Hockey National Team, my responsibility is to manage the administration, logistics, and operations as we gear up for the International Hockey Federation Junior World Cup in December 2027.

Initially, my focus is on fostering a strong, cohesive team culture that supports our players, while my ultimate aim is for the Under-21 Women’s team to qualify, compete confidently, and represent South Africa with pride and excellence at the Junior World Cup in 2027,” Tlale stated.

She further remarked, “Beyond the results, as a proponent for women in sports, I aspire to mentor and nurture young women who are not only outstanding athletes but also exemplary ambassadors for South Africa, embodying discipline, integrity, and pride.”

Tlale, who has received numerous accolades, including the Administrator of the Year award at the 2024 Free State Sports Awards, seemed destined for a career in sports.

Her passion for sports from a young age led her to compete with boys on the field.

“It all began with me playing football with boys, and I was the only girl playing football in my township,” Tlale recounted.

She added, “I still have ambitious goals. I aspire to lead a national federation someday, acquire international experience in sports abroad, and eventually establish a foundation for women in sports to uplift future generations. Women have a vital role in sports. They can lead with purpose, increase participation, mentor young athletes, and ensure sports are accessible in towns, urban, and rural areas.”

Besides her new position, Tlale is a committed government employee.

She holds the position of Assistant Director: Regional Manager, Employee Sport & Recreation at the Department of Correctional Services for the Free State and Northern Cape region.

Tlale expressed her gratitude to several hockey teams for allowing her to lead them, which has contributed to her development as a sports administrator.

“I am thankful to the Elsie Odendaal - Coetzer Hockey Academy, CUT Hockey, FS Hockey Association, Gauteng Northern’s Hockey Association, SA Masters Hockey Federation & UFS Hockey for giving me the opportunity as Team Manager and trusting me to manage their teams. I am who I am today because of the opportunities they provided,” said Tlale.