Onthatile Zulu: “It’s a Big Deal to Become a Red Bull Athlete”

South African Women’s Hockey player Onthatile Zulu has been announced as an endorsee for well known energy drink Red Bull.

The 22-year-old said she will never forget the 23rd of January 2023, as it was the day the announcement was made. Zulu said she messaged Red Bull asking them for tickets to go watch the Betway SA 20 League at Newlands, little did she know at the time she would spread her wings and become the first woman and hockey player in South Africa to partner with Red Bull.

Zulu chats to Rudene Hare to tell gsport more about her partnership with Red Bull.

Onthatile, thank you for chatting to us here at gsport. Please introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Onthatile Zulu mostly known as Thati and I’m 22 years old. I recently graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Bcom Business Management degree. I am currently part of the South African women’s hockey team and looking forward to the next phase with the team leading up to Paris 2024.

You recently announced on your Instagram that you have signed an endorsement deal with Red Bull. Can you tell us more about that?

Wow, I will literally never forget that day. 23 January 2023. I had just finished playing a test series against India at the UCT Hockey Astro and my friends and I were keen to let our hair down after a tough few days. I knew that there was cricket taking place in the area, so I decided it was a good opportunity for us to go and enjoy some cricket. I had messaged one of the people on the Red Bull team, asking them if it was possible for them to organize a few tickets to come watch. I was under the impression that I was going to go watch a game of cricket with friends.

Everything changed towards the end of the game when I was told that I was going to have a casual chat with Kagiso Rabada.I was so overwhelmed and excited but had no clue that I was going to be receiving a Red Bull cap that day. It’s a big deal to become a Red Bull athlete and never in a million years did I think that I would become one, let alone the first woman and Hockey player in South Africa. It’s honestly such an honour to be a part of such an amazing brand and the team has been nothing short of amazing and supportive. I’m so grateful and I continue to pinch myself every day in disbelief.

What does it feel like knowing that there is someone out there who has your back as a woman in sport?

Any type of support goes a long way. As a woman in sport, it’s so empowering to not only me, but those who know of me or are in the same sporting industry as me. Being a woman in amateur sports is not easy and it comes with a lot of financial burdens that we as athletes must cover. I honestly feel like women in sport deserve better. Being a part of Red Bull allows me to not worry about some of those external issues. I’m so grateful to be apart of such an amazing brand who believe in me and my potential. I feel seen and heard and I hope I can be the catalyst for many more women in sport being supported in any type of way.

What is your message to encourage corporate giants in South Africa to sponsor development sport in the country?

Making an investment in developmental sport is so important for the growth of amateur sports and shaping the midsets of the next generation. Without support and investments, we are not able to perform to the best of our ability and compete against the best in the world. Investments are necessary in order for more amateur sports to be seen as competitive on the world stage. Successful companies are companies that not only focus on profits but also on social development. Corporate SA needs to invest in not only its employees but also in talent outside the corporate world to build and develop talent in the country. It is the lifeline for sportswomen and men.

Besides representing the South African Women’s Hockey team, what else would you say are some of your career achievements to date?

I’m so proud of myself for recently graduating with a Bcom in Business Management from the University of Pretoria. It’s honestly not easy being a student athlete. Over the past few years, I was travelling a lot and missing a lot of lectures which was very stressful. I have been blessed with such supportive friends and family who have been with me from the beginning none of this is possible without them. I’m also honored to say that during my varsity years I was able to compete in the Tokyo Olympic Games. It’s been a crazy few years of Varsity life but I am so glad I finished on a high.

Lastly, what advice do you have for young girls that would love to play abroad one day?

Your dreams may seem far-fetched but keep knocking on the door. Work hard, play hard, believe in your capabilities and remember that complacency is your worst enemy.

Photo 1 Caption: South African Women’s Hockey player Onthatile Zulu becomes the first female to be signed by well known energy drink Red Bull. Photo: Onthatile Zulu (Instagram)