THE BLUFF’s Tasha Zeeman (18), was selected to represent South Africa in the Atlantic Youth Cup in Ireland in July for touch rugby. The feat is a major achievement for the teen athlete who has been playing the sport only for a few years now.

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Tasha credits her initial fascination with the sport to her school’s extra-curricular programme and said not long thereafter it became her passion. She explained that touch rugby is different from the more traditional form of rugby in that it is a no-contact sport where players tackle the opposition by touching them instead of physically tackling them.

Touch rugby

• In touch rugby, the attacking team has six touches to progress the ball down the field before possession is turned over to the other team.
• There are no scrums or line-outs, and play is faster and less structured.
• Touch rugby is also played with smaller teams, six players on each side.
• Matches tend to be shorter, often played in halves of 10 to 20 minutes, and are typically played on smaller fields.

Tasha said the game tends to focus on speed and skillful passing.

Background

Tasha has gone represented the various divisions, playing for the U17B and U21A KZN teams in 2023. She played for the U19A and U21A KZN teams in 2024 and was presented with the most valuable player award for the U21 division. She also won the senior touch rugby player of the year award at her school sports awards evening in 2024.

Tasha said when she received the news that she has the chance to represent South Africa she was beyond excited and honoured. She added that one of her biggest inspirations in the sport is none other than Springbok’s Cheslin Kolbe due to his speed and strategic thinking on the field.

Fundraising

While this is a great achievement for Tasha, it comes with the task of raising R70 000 to cover her trip. Alretha Prinsloo, Tasha’s mother, expressed immense pride in her daughter’s achievements and said that they will need to come up with the funds as touch rugby is a self-funded sport.

She said they will be hosting a potjiekos competition on March 1 at Harlequins during Ronnie Day to help raise funds. Prinsloo is also appealing to businesses to help sponsor prizes for a raffle.

To support Tasha’s journey and help her dreams come true you can donate through their backabuddy link on https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/tashas-journey-to-represent-south-africa

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