Germiston’s Khezhia-Raylee Loots continues to excel in girls’ rugby
Their success also contributed to Gauteng finishing third overall among all participating provinces at the Winter Games.
Khezhia-Raylee Loots, a female rugby player from Germiston, continues to make her mark on South African girls’ rugby, with 2026 becoming another remarkable chapter in her career.
A proud learner at Dr E.G. Jansen High School, Loots has continued to pursue her passion for rugby despite her school not fielding a girls’ rugby team.
She proudly represents the Valkyries at Marks Park Rugby Club in Emmarentia, Randburg, where she continues to develop her skills and compete against some of the country’s top young female players.
ALSO READ: Vryburger rugby teams target league glory after strong start
Earlier this year, Loots achieved one of her biggest milestones when she earned selection for the Golden Lions U16 Girls Team that competed at the National Girls Rugby Week at Kearsney College in KwaZulu-Natal.
Representing one of South Africa’s strongest rugby unions was a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and countless hours of hard work.
Her impressive performances did not stop there. Over the past few days, Loots proudly represented Gauteng at the Winter National School Sport Championships (NSSC), held at Stirling High School in East London, KuGompo City, in the Eastern Cape.
ALSO READ: Germiston Simmer Rugby Club golf day rescheduled to June 26
Wearing the prestigious No. 8 jersey for the Gauteng U15 Girls Rugby Team, she played a key role throughout the tournament against the best schoolgirl rugby players from across South Africa.
The Gauteng U15 Girls produced an outstanding campaign, finishing as the silver medallists after securing second place in the national tournament.
Their success also contributed to Gauteng finishing third overall among all participating provinces at the Winter Games.
These achievements reflect Loots’s heart and passion for the game.
Whether representing her club, the Golden Lions, or Gauteng, she consistently demonstrates leadership, determination, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Beyond her achievements, Loots hopes to inspire other young girls to pursue rugby and believe in their dreams.
“Rugby has taught me that hard work, discipline, and believing in yourself can take you further than you ever imagined. I hope more girls will give the sport a chance and chase their dreams,” said Loots.
She remains grateful to her family, coaches, teammates, teachers, and everyone who has supported her throughout her rugby journey.
ALSO READ: Unity and camaraderie make the 29th St John’s College Easter Rugby Festival a success
From Germiston to provincial and national rugby fields, Loots said she hope to continue to prove that dedication, perseverance, and a genuine love for the game can open incredible opportunities.
“With every tournament, I continues to build a promising future and proudly represents my community, province, and South African girls’ rugby,” said Loots.
