The name Alice Ncube would ring a bell for most rugby and sports fanatics in Alexandra, and rightfully so. The Alexandra Wolves Rugby Club flyhalf has flown the township’s flag high on both the provincial and national stages, and now the community has a fresh reason to celebrate.

Ncube has been nominated for Female Player of the Year at the 2026 Ruggas Awards. Now, Alexandra is being called on to rally behind its own and vote for her to bring the trophy home.

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Ncube’s proudest moment yet, one shared equally by her teammates and the wider community, came in July, when she made the cut for the country’s first-ever SA Schools Girls rugby team, proudly pulling on the Springbok colors.

Alexandra Wolves chairperson Elias Mpengu praised Ncube’s achievements and young career trajectory, and he is now urging the community to get behind her at the polls.

Her coach, Jack Moloi, who was equally proud, acknowledged the uphill battle rugby faces in the township, saying football and netball are the main sports rather than rugby, which people do not take seriously.

Yet Ncube’s rise to the national team has changed that conversation somewhat, turning her into a source of pride even among teachers who once paid no attention to the sport.

Ncube was clear about what it took to get here. She said she trained every day, Monday to Friday, all while keeping up with schoolwork. She said the balancing act was never easy.

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“I knew that this is what I like and this is what I will continue fighting for, for the rest of my life. I like what I do. I enjoy playing rugby. So, I am going to fight for rugby,” she said, undeterred by how demanding the journey has been.

For Ncube, the nomination validates the skill, talent and hard work she has poured onto the field against odds that many in her position never have to face.

Ncube attributed her rise to her coaches, teammates and the community that has stood behind her, crediting her coaches especially for believing in her even in moments when she doubted herself.

Her sights, though, are already set further ahead on securing a place in the national U20 team.

To ensure Ncube lifts the 2026 Ruggas Award, Alexandra residents are urged to cast their votes online at the official Ruggas Awards voting page.

VOTE HERE: https://ruggas.co.za/2026-ruggas-awards-voting-page

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