There’s something ruthless about Jemma Ferreira in the circle. Give her a sniff at goal, and she strikes: clean, clinical and fearless.

At the recent St Dunstan’s College Easter Sports Festival, the St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls flicker turned that instinct into pure domination, hammering home a staggering 19 goals in just six matches.
It was a statement. Not just of form but of intent.

Ferreira, already carving a reputation as one of the most lethal short corner specialists on the school circuit, is edging ever closer to the senior national conversation. And if her recent trajectory is anything to go by, it’s only a matter of time.

Since catching up with her last year, her journey has accelerated rapidly. A standout showing at last year’s Easter Festival paved the way for selection to the SA U17 squad after impressing at the U18 interprovincials in Pietermaritzburg, a milestone she described as a proud moment in her young career.

“That was obviously a really big achievement and I was super proud of myself,” she said.

From there, Ferreira’s rise gathered momentum. She featured in all four Test matches during the Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge against Zimbabwe at St David’s Marist Inanda in Sandton, helping her side to a clean sweep while finishing as the tournament’s top goal scorer with three goals.

The international stage beckoned soon after. Representing South Africa at the Mirnawan U18 Cup in Malaysia, Ferreira again proved her worth, playing all seven matches and netting a crucial drag flick against the hosts as the team secured a third-place finish.

Also Read: Ferreira proud of achievement at festival

But beyond the goals and accolades, it’s the moments in between that define her journey.

“I don’t even think I can describe how great it felt,” she reflected on wearing national colours. “Standing there singing the national anthem, I got chills. It felt like all the hard work had finally paid off.”

Despite the rapid rise, Ferreira remains grounded and laser-focused on growth rather than hype.

“Every game is a new game. I just go out there and play to the best of my ability for the team I’m representing at the time,” she says. “There’s a goal I have in mind.”

Exposure to international hockey has sharpened her edge. Competing against different styles in Malaysia and against Zimbabwe has broadened her understanding of the game, allowing her to bring new dimensions back into her play.

“I try to absorb as much as I can so I can execute it when I’m back home,” she explains.

Now in Grade 11 and turning 18, the Boksburg resident is firmly on the radar. Recognition, she admitted, hasn’t always come easy for East Rand players, but she’s forcing the issue with every performance.

“It really means a lot to be seen,” she said.

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