Two Sir John Adamson High School learners are taking their rugby careers to new heights, with one earning a place in the Golden Lions U17 Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) team and the other securing her second consecutive selection for the U16 Junior Springbok Girls squad.

Grade 11 learner Leslie Mthethwa represented the Golden Lions U17 team at the IPT in September, while Grade 10 learner Nicole Isaac Ogbu was selected for the U16 Junior Springbok Girls squad for the second year in a row.

For Mthethwa, the achievement followed trials held at Pirates Rugby Club in Greenside, Randburg, in August.

“The trials went well, and I played in the IPT during the September holidays at Kempton Park Stadium. It was amazing because I played all four games as a number six flank,” she said.

Support and academics

Her rugby journey began in Grade Nine, inspired by her love for sport and the influence of her coach, Mickey Oosthuizen.

“I like sport in general, especially athletics. However, my coach had a huge impact on me and encouraged me to take up rugby. Her influence has put me where I am today.

“When the news came, I wasn’t expecting it, but I was excited. It meant a lot to me. Although I couldn’t play at Craven Week, it was still a great experience,” she said.

Balancing rugby and academics remains a priority for Mthethwa, who said she follows a schedule that allows her to focus on her schoolwork, particularly during examinations.

“There is a schedule that doesn’t interfere with my schoolwork. When I write examinations, I focus more on my studies. Practice sometimes takes place in the early evenings,” she explained.

She credited her coach, teammates, and father, Xolani, for keeping her motivated.

“The support I get from my coach, teammates and my father is amazing. It keeps me focused and helps me enjoy what I do.

“I want to become a professional player and make it into the Springboks. I also want to pursue information technology after school.

“My message to other girls interested in rugby is: Don’t doubt yourself. Look at me now; I’m a star player,” she said.

National call-up

Meanwhile, Ogbu’s consistent performances have earned her another opportunity to develop her talent at national level.

She said her confidence had grown, despite suffering a soft-tissue injury to her right knee while playing at the Imbokodo Tournament in August. She has since recovered fully.

Ogbu was selected for the Golden Lions U16 team after trials at Marks Park.

During the tournament in KwaZulu-Natal, she captained the side and played as a lock, wearing jersey number 18.

The team faced the Blue Bulls, Eastern Province and KwaZulu-Natal, winning one of its three matches.
“Player scouts were watching our last match, and that is where they saw me. I was proud of my performance,” she said.

In September, her teacher, Trynie Oosthuizen, delivered the exciting news that she had been selected for the U16 Junior Springbok Girls squad.

Ogbu attended a training camp in Paarl from September 26 to October 4 and described the experience as phenomenal.

“We were taught different things, both on the field and about our mindset. My favourite takeaway was that you shouldn’t focus on someone else but on what you want to achieve.

“We were also taught that mental conditioning is a big part of sport. You must keep pushing yourself and focus on the next job rather than the mistakes you have made,” she said.

The camp also reinforced the importance of believing in oneself and understanding the responsibility that comes with representing the country.

“We were told that we were selected for a reason and that we must start believing in ourselves. It is not the badge that makes you a Springbok player, but the person wearing it. Your talent gets you selected, but the right attitude will keep you there,” she said.

Ogbu praised Mickey Oosthuizen for her continued encouragement and guidance throughout the camp, saying the coach regularly sent her messages highlighting areas for improvement.

“She encouraged me to continue using my strength in breaking lines. Being selected for the second time is a real honour,” she said.

Looking ahead, Ogbu hopes to progress to the U18 squad before eventually earning a place in the senior national team.

“Remember, it is not about your strength, physique or anything else; it is about the fight in you,” she said.
She also congratulated coach Oosthuizen on coaching five players selected for the Junior Springbok Girls programme.

The two learners’ achievements reflect the dedication required to excel in rugby while inspiring more girls to pursue opportunities in the sport.