Two rugby players from Alex Wolves Rugby Club, Mpho Mxhanywa (U18) and Patience Dikotla (U20), have been selected for national development camps in the Western Cape.
The two are now set on a recognised pathway toward Springbok honours. Coach Andile Kahla said this validated years of investment in the development of the players. “We have been waiting for this for a long time. Those long hours we spent coaching them, even on Saturdays, this is the reward we wanted. It brings a smile to us.”

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South African rugby’s development system identifies talent early, filtering players through divisional camps into high–performance environments. Mxhanywa earned her spot after impressing selectors at the girls national week, while Dikotla was noticed during the U20 games back in September.

Khahla said, once in Cape Town, the athletes will undergo rigorous daily training, including tactical analysis and skill refinement. Kahla further explained that they will learn the most crucial skill of analysing the game. Afterwards, they will get reports on their physical strength, stamina, and skill levels, with advice on how to improve. Eventually, they will be entered into SA Rugby’s database.

Both players are approaching the opportunity with determination. Mxhanywa admitted that she can already feel the pressure, but is embracing it. “We do not have a choice. We have to be prepared.” She said her coach’s belief in her convinced her that she plays well enough to be selected, even when she doubted herself.

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Dikotla, meanwhile, who equally feels the pressure, could not contain her excitement. “I feel happy, but at the same time I feel scared because of the challenges I am yet to encounter. It is a huge achievement. It is the first step of me making it to the Springboks, which has been my dream.” She said the achievement is not hers alone, but can also be attributed to the coach who has been doing a lot through their training sessions.

As the girls prepare to leave, Kahla believes this moment sends a clear message that Alexandra rugby is producing talent capable of competing at the highest level, especially since these two girls will be among several other local players who have flown to Cape Town on similar occasions.

For the girls, this is only the beginning of a broader ambition: To see themselves wearing the green and gold.

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