National field hockey player and two-time Olympian Onthatile "Thati" Zulu,  spoke out on how hockey is a sport that does not get as much support. She took to social media regarding the severe financial strain and funding shortages facing national athletes in South Africa. Her statement sparked widespread public outcry over the disparity in sports funding ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Zulu disclosed that national hockey players were forced to cover up to R68,000 out of their own pockets for flights, accommodation, transport, medical care, visas, and training camps simply to represent South Africa on the global stage. Zulu voiced heartbreak over the reality behind wearing the national jersey, noting that many talented teammates have been forced to abandon their international sporting dreams because they could not afford to continue playing.