Tzaneen rugby star Gabadi shines for Junior Boks in Brazil
The 19-year-old from Mokgolobotho played her first overseas matches with the Junior Springboks, after also impressing at the Bulls Daisies camp in June.
TZANEEN – It has been a memorable year for Nkowankowa Rugby Club player Vanessa Gabadi, who represented South Africa as part of the Springbok u/20 squad in Brazil.
Dream debut despite Brazil losses
Although the national team lost both matches against the hosts, Gabadi described the opportunity to represent her country overseas as a dream come true.
The 19-year-old from Mokgolobotho, outside Tzaneen, said the trip was her first time travelling outside South Africa and proved to be an unforgettable experience.
Camp form earns national call-up
Earlier this year, Gabadi was invited to attend the Springbok u/20 camp in Stellenbosch, where her performances earned her selection for South Africa’s match against the United States in Cape Town.
She described her national call-up as both humbling and a great honour. Her continued hard work and dedication also earned her a place at the Bulls Daisies camp at the University of Pretoria’s Tuks campus in June, where she again impressed the coaches.
With Gabadi continuing to gain valuable experience at national level, more success could be on the horizon for the talented local player.
