SHS boasts top-notch girls rugby team
The girls of the SHS U16 and U18 teams share a deep passion for the game.
Watch out, Standerton, these girls can tackle. Standerton High School boasts a rare sight: a top-notch girls’ rugby team with several Pumas players.
Despite a common misconception, girls in rugby tackle with the same intensity as boys. The girls of the SHS U16 and U18 teams share a deep passion for the game.
According to Mpilo Mashaba, U18 captain, there are several challenges to playing rugby as a girl.
“The team struggles to get sponsors and often, the support our teams get from learners at the school and even our families can be minimal,” explained Mpilo, with the help of her teammates.
ALSO CHECK: Bowling women roll to success in Standerton
These challenges do not hold them back; the girls admit they found their strength in playing rugby. To them, it is a safe space where they are all family.
“We specifically love proving people wrong when we win a game,” stated Mpilo.
Currently, 14 of the players are considering playing rugby professionally after finishing school. Kenny Kabye coaches the U16 and U18 girls’ rugby teams.
ALSO CHECK: Try frenzy as Sasol 1 scores 17 tries in match played in Secunda
He has been with the team for three years, working hard to turn these girls into master rugby players.
“Some of these girls only have one to three years of experience playing rugby, yet they can play against girls with over 10 years’ experience,” said Kabye.
Currently, the team is searching for sponsors to help them obtain jerseys for the U16s because they do not have their own. The girls also need water bottles and pants.
In their most recent league, the U16 team ended eighth in Mpumalanga and the U18 girls fourth. They attribute their successes on the field to their wonderful and supportive coach and his unwavering trust in them.
