‘I know when it comes to speed I am a beast’

Tsakani – Nineteen-year-old Lungile Kumalo started playing rugby when she was in Grade Nine but temporarily hung up her boots due to the school not having a female rugby team at the time.
But her passion for the sport saw her make a return in 2018 when she was nudged to join the Falcons rugby development team.

“When you are on the field, you don’t think about anything other than the ball.
“Your entire focus is on what’s happening at that moment.
“The adrenaline rush is awesome, and that’s why I love it so much,” said Kumalo.
She said playing sport has taken her off the streets and has played a huge role in her health.
The right-winger said when she started, many were not convinced she could hold her own due to her body weight.

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“At some point, I used to play soccer. So my family and friends were shocked when I told them I wanted to play rugby.
“They didn’t think I had the body for it, especially because at the time I was very slim.
“However, I wasn’t intimidated.
“I don’t know where I got my courage from to go for it, but I did.
“It must have had to do with my pace. I know when it comes to speed I am a beast,” she said.
She is enrolled at the Gauteng Woman’s Rugby Institute and has been there for two years.
She said the facility offers great opportunities for young girls coming from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with a passion for the sport.
Her dreams include becoming an international rugby referee.
“I have learned to grasp whatever opportunity comes my way.
“Being part of the institute has taught me a lot, from safe techniques to the rules of the game,” said Kumalo.

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