UKZN students Asanda Mnyandu and Hlekani Baloyi from the university’s rugby programme have earned selection to the Sharks U20 Team, which will compete in the upcoming SA Rugby U20 Women’s Tournament.
Image: Gemini
In a remarkable showcase of talent and determination, eleven female players from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) have been selected to represent the Sharks U20 Team at the upcoming SA Rugby U20 Women’s Tournament in Johannesburg. This annual national competition serves as a crucial platform for honing skills, nurturing talent, and bridging the gap between school and senior rugby, ensuring a bright future for women’s rugby in South Africa.
The selected athletes are:
The talent pool in women’s rugby continues to expand, and this achievement stands as a testament to the relentless dedication of the young women who have worked tirelessly to excel in their sport. Normah Zondo, Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division at UKZN, expressed immense pride in the players for their accomplishments and commitment to advancing women’s rugby within the province.
“We are immensely proud of these young women for their achievements and for advancing the profile of women’s rugby. Their selection to one of the country’s most competitive youth rugby structures is a remarkable accomplishment and reflects the spirit of excellence that defines UKZN," Zondo said. "This success also speaks to the growing depth of talent within UKZN’s ranks and to the steady rise and strengthening of women’s rugby at our institution.”
Among the selected athletes, Hlekane Baloyi, who is also set to represent the South African U20 squad alongside teammate Asanda Mnyandu, shared her eagerness to compete. “We’re looking forward to playing together, enjoying the game, winning, and excelling in the sport,” Baloyi said. She conveyed her gratitude for the opportunity, hoping for further chances to represent her country, province, and university.
As the Sharks U20 Team prepares for this prestigious tournament, the anticipation builds not only for the players but for all those supporting this inspiring generation of female athletes. The collective achievement of these eleven players at UKZN is a powerful reminder of the strides being made in promoting women's sport, serving as an encouragement for future generations to pursue their aspirations on the rugby field and beyond.
IOS