Encouraged by her parents to play sport, Talie Mc Pherson has since excelled as an all-round sportswoman.
“All my family enjoyed playing sport at school. My sister Liezel, who is 7 years older than me, inspired me to play hockey and soccer. She played with me and encouraged me at junior school. Both my parents played soccer at school and my mom played hockey as well,” said Talia, who is 14.
Talia is an all-round sportswoman as she takes part in hockey, soccer, cross country and athletics.
The grade 8 pupil from Jeppe High School for Girls said she loves every minute of playing sport.
“I started playing both hockey and soccer at school when I was about 10 years old, while in grade 4 at Brackenhurst Primary.
“I only started running and taking part in athletics when I was in grade 6. I don’t play for any clubs but I am proud to play for my school,” said Talia.
She has a bright future ahead of her in the sporting fraternity.
She has been doing well in all her sporting codes. She was selected for the D9 U/14 district hockey team and the U/14c team for Southern Gauteng.
“We played the provincial tournament in Krugersdorp and won all our games, except for the last game against Mpumalanga.
Talia plays for the school’s U/15a soccer team.
The team won its pool in the Janine van Wyk League and went on to play in the league quarter-finals and semi-finals, which they won.
“We narrowly lost in the final. My coach, Mr Lincoln, told me I am a good attacking right mid fielder and that I assisted with many of the goal scoring opportunities,” said Talia.
“I find running very relaxing and enjoy long distance running rather than sprints,” said Talia.
She was the first Jeppe girl and the second woman to cross the finish line at the Jeppe Fun Run on August 15.
She has also represented the school in athletics at the Herman Immelman Stadium in Germiston in September, and finished fourth in the 1 500 metre event.
Talia said she still has a long way to go.
“I will keep on playing all the sports. I still have four years to decide on which sport is my first love. But my sister inspires me to be the best I can be in all the sport I take part in,” said Talia.
Talia was nominated for the Jeppe Girls Sportswoman of the Month award in April, May, June and August this year.
