Three Gqeberha women have been selected for the Springbok Women’s Rugby team.
They are now in France on tour in preparation for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
According to Sevens media manager JJ Harmse, the squad will play two Tests and a friendly, as well as a high-profile game against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
Weekend Post caught up with the local ladies this week.
Monica Mazibukwana, 23
Mazibukwana holds a certificate in sports administration and is a friendly person who enjoys spending time in the kitchen when she is not on the field.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Soweto-on-Sea. I attended Ndzondelelo High School in Zwide.
Q: When did you start playing rugby?
A: I started playing in 2014.
Q: Position?
A: Hooker and prop.
Q: What does it mean to be part of the squad?
A: It has always been my goal to be part of the squad and the experience has been great.
Q: Who is your hero and why?
A: My hero is my mom. She has shown me how to be strong and to always have patience, as with patience comes success.
Q: What would you tell your younger self?
A: I would tell my younger self not to give up so easily, as your time will come. Patience is key and I would tell my younger self to be more focused and ready because life is not an easy road.
Nomawethu “Weto” Mabenge, 25
Mabenge comes from Kwazakhele and started playing rugby when she was in high school. Always an athlete, she fell in love with rugby only when she was much older. She describes herself as shy, but talkative, and says she is an extremely hard worker.
Q: Position?
A: Right wing, number 14.
Q: High school?
A: I matriculated from Phakamisa High School in Gqeberha.
Q: What does it mean to you to be part of the squad?
A: It’s where I belong. The bond we have created by being there for one another through our highest and lowest moments is immeasurable. Everyone here is fully committed with passion.
Q: How would you encourage youngsters who want to be like you?
A: I would tell the youngsters that it’s possible to be where you want to be, more especially when you push and work hard and stop self-doubting.
Sanelisiwe Charlie, 21
Charlie is from Joe Slovo in Gqeberha. She plays for the Bombers Club Rugby Union and Eastern Province Rugby Union, as well as the SA Rugby Union. She started playing the sport at the tender age of 11.
Q: Position?
A: Prop
Q: High School?
A: Ndzondelelo High School in Gqeberha.
Q: What does it mean to be part of the squad?
A: To be in the squad means a lot to me. I have sacrificed a lot to be here and have worked hard. It means that my dreams are coming true.
Q: Besides being a rugby player, what keeps you busy?
A: I assist my mom, who has a scholar transport business in Joe Slovo and the surrounding areas. She drives children to creche and to and from school.
Q: Who is your hero and why?
A: My hero is my late father because he was extremely courageous and was consistent in everything he put his mind to. He was fearful of the career I chose because of the dangers that it come with, but he supported me nonetheless.
Q: How would you encourage youngsters who want to be like you?
A: Lots of youngsters want things to come by easily. I would tell them that it is not easy and good things come through hard work, and hard work alone. In life and in any sport like rugby, there is competition so you will need to continue to work harder than your opponent and try to be the best.
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