The wise words of inspiration once shared by his uncle are coming true for Langa Hockey Club captain Zenani Kraai who is representing South Africa at the Olympic Games, which started on Friday, July 26, in Paris, France.

“Sport has the potential to take you places and give you nice things” - Andile Kraai told his nephew, Zenani, 23, who is now thousands of kilometres from home, surrounded by some of the biggest names in world sport.

Kraai’s love for hockey began at an early age. Born and raised in Langa, a place known for its vibrant community and rich history, Kraai was introduced to sports early in his life.

His uncle, Andile, was a hockey player, albeit not a pro, but it was enough to influence the young lad.

Watching his uncle play, young Kraai was captivated by the speed, skill, and excitement of the game. It was then that he decided to make hockey his sport of choice and ditch football, which is the go-to sport for many youngsters at an early age.

Once he picked up a hockey stick, the switch was instantaneous and there was no looking back.

Kraai is a member of the Langa Hockey Club, where he quickly became a stand-out player. His talent fused with his dedication to the game made him a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Kraai always believed that focusing on hockey was the right choice. That paid off when he earned a place on the SA squad, having debuted in 2022. With 18 caps to his name, Kraai has cemented his position in the squad, becoming a key player for the national team and making the starting line-up in their Olympics opening game against the Netherlands.

Zenani Kraai in Paris, France, for the 2024 Olympic Games.

“It means that everything is possible, you can achieve as long as you have a strong mind and vision,” Kraai said when asked about what this achievement meant to him.

The moment he learned about his selection for the Paris Olympics was unforgettable. He was with his family, watching TV, when the news broke. The excitement and pride in the room made the moment one for the memory books.

The path to the Olympics is rarely smooth, and Kraai’s was no different.

“There have been ups and downs where I didn’t get fair chances like everyone else, but that didn’t determine what I wanted or what I'm going to achieve. I just kept on going and didn't give up,” he said.

Kraai credits his uncle as being a pivotal figure in his journey.

Another influential role model is Lungile Tsolekile, a fellow SA hockey player who himself competed in the Olympics.

Following in Tsolekile’s footsteps, Kraai aspired to reach the same heights and represent his country on the world stage, a dream that became reality this year.

For him, being in the squad is about more than just playing hockey - it is about representing the country with pride and giving his all in every game.

“This has always been my dream, but to achieve it is very special,” he said.

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From Langa to Paris: Living the Olympic dream