Sport prowess opens doors for Woodridge girl
Her fortunes changed almost instantly after she picked up a hockey stick for the first time as a nine-year-old – and now Edith Molikoe has gained national recognition while also leading one of the country’s top independent schools.
Woodridge College headgirl Molikoe, whose mother Anastasia is a domestic worker, said she had never given much thought to whether or not others had more than she did – she simply got on with whatever task was at hand.
That attitude saw her named the Hockey 24Seven under-20 female indoor hockey player of the year for 2018 last week, while attending the indoor hockey interprovincial tournament in Pietermaritzburg.
And despite her humble beginnings, she has managed to represent the province – at under 14,16,18 and 21– and the country – at under 16,18 and 21– throughout her high school career at Woodridge College.
The chatty 18-year-old said her humble beginnings had never been a factor in her successful journey through school.
“I have never thought about the kids around me as being any different or having more than I do,” Molikoe said.
“I know what I need to do and [I] do it regardless of the situation.”
The teen said she trains for between two and five hours, six days a week.
“But this sport has always come naturally to me, since the first time I played in Grade 2 – I just fell in love with it.
“Being at this school has certainly assisted me in being exposed to so much opportunity.
“And living in the hostel also helps with managing my schedule, including academics, training and headgirl duties.”
Anastasia and her husband, John – who works as a foreman for Snowcap Mushroom Farm – said they could not be more proud of their daughter and her continued successes.
“Just when you think she can’t do anything more or get any better, she does.
“We are so proud of the woman she has grown to become,” Anastasia said.
Molikoe is approaching a 100-caps milestone for her school’s first team – who were unbeaten in the 2018 schools hockey league – for whom she has been playing since Grade 9.
This achievement, she said, would not have been possible had it not been for her coach and hostel housemother, Maxine Bird, who spotted the talented teenager when she was in Grade 7 at Charlo Primary.
“Initially I heard about Edith after one of our coaches saw her play at a tournament in Knysna,” Bird said.
“Later that year, at the EP trials, where I was a selector, she really made an impact on me with her talent and effortless style of play.
“Fortunately, Woodridge also recognised her talent and offered her a bursary.
“Throughout it all she continues to amaze us all with her humility, passion and love for everything she does.
“Academics, sport, cultural [and charity activities], she is always willing and grateful to help.”
The website of Hockey 24Seven – which manages and hosts the national indoor hockey league and tournaments – described her as a “superb” player and one to watch.
“Edith did not just put her hand up, she got a ladder, climbed it, put a box on top, climbed that, then put up her hand to be noticed in 2018. And we did,” it reads.
Woodridge College principal Derek Bradley said: “She was identified a long time ago while she was still in junior school and we gave the opportunity to fulfil her dreams, which she grabbed with both hands . . . But becoming headgirl, that she did on her own.”