PHALABORWA – Seventeen Fauna Park Primary School rugby girls are set to take their game to the next level after earning an opportunity to train at the Springboks and New Zealand Women’s Coach Clinics in Boksburg, Gauteng, on Friday, September 4.

The selected players, drawn from the school’s u/11 and u/13 teams, secured their places following outstanding performances at the Douglas Modiba Sports Institute and GIR tournaments on Tuesday, August 11.

Coach Sankerib Mongwe highlighted that their selection is the result of steady development throughout the year. Rugby activation games and camps held earlier this year helped improve the girls’ playing style, sharpen their skills and give them valuable match experience, ultimately preparing them for the opportunity to be identified for the prestigious clinics.

“We are incredibly proud and humbled. Having our girls invited to the Springboks and New Zealand women’s coach clinics is a huge honour for Fauna Park Primary. It shows that hard work, discipline and talent from our school can compete at the highest level,” said Mongwe.

He also said that the achievement would have an impact beyond rugby, as it would help build the girls’ confidence, discipline and belief in themselves.

However, Mongwe said the school continues to face challenges, including a lack of adequate equipment and training space, as well as some girls withdrawing due to their parents’ perception that rugby is a boys’ sport.

Despite these challenges, the coach said the school is looking forward to seeing the girls represent Fauna Park with pride on Friday, September 4.

“We are most looking forward to seeing our girls wear the jersey with pride, learn from the Springboks team, and bring that experience back to train and mentor other learners at Fauna Park. We hope it becomes the start of more selections in the future,” Mongwe said.

Principal Florina Mamokgere said the selection was proof that investment in sport can produce talent, even where resources are limited.

“I am proud of our girls,” she said.