LIMPOPO – Springbok rugby player Maria Tshiremba (28) of Magau says she has come a long way fulfilling her dreams.

She started playing rugby in 2021 at the University of Johannesburg. A year later, she was selected for the Lions and in 2023 for the Springboks where she was capped in December during the World Series HSBC (sevens).

“I participated in various sporting codes at school before choosing rugby. My parents used to watch athletics and one day when my mom was watching, I had a dream of myself wearing the South African colours, holding the flag. So, I pursued all the different sporting codes. She also wanted me to honour my country one day.”

With her parents’ encouragement, she eventually settled on rugby. “They said though that nothing comes easy and that working hard was the best way to achieve success. I used this as my motto and always strive to work hard.”

She said education was the key to the future, but playing rugby had opened doors for her and made her realise that, after completing matric with flying colours, she wanted to go to university and continue to play rugby.

She advised young people who want to play rugby to stay focused on reaching their goals.

“Rugby is played by men but perfected by women. There is no sport that was designed specifically for certain genders. As women we are restricted a lot, which gives us more reason to prove people wrong. Even if your talent is not in sport, engaging in sport and travelling will expose you to the world out there.”