adminRugby was seen as a game played by physically imposing men and it is certainly clear that back in the days, not even a single lady ever thought of playing the sport, they even shunned watching the game and some would even discourage their husbands from playing.
However as time moved on, more and more people began to enjoy the game although it is still physical. Women too started having an interest in the game leading to its global acceptance that the fairer sex can also play.
While in Zimbabwe the idea has not really been fully embraced as shown by the limited number of women teams in the country, for those who are in it believe the future is bright.
One such lady is Nothando Ndlovu who is one of few ladies who have passion for the sport.
She says that had she been there during those days when the game was clearly said to be a preserve for men, she would have challenged that.
“I just like contact sports, that’s all,” she says in response to why she chose rugby. Her answer also explains why she at one time took to the ring.
“I participated in the Douglas Gadzira Boxing Championship in Zvishavane sometime in 2006. I felt at home although I lost on points,” says the lady of many trades who has since qualified as a rugby referee. She can handle top level rugby league games.
In fact she is in the national panel made up of only 12 referees.
She says she started playing rugby at a tender age, featuring for Matland Jaguars, then Highlanders.
“My family did not have a problem with me playing rugby because I come from a family of boxers so they somehow understood my passion for physical sports,” she said.
After realising her immense talent, she was selected for the development side 15s in 2004 that took part in an invitational tournament in Pretoria, South Africa. From then on she never looked back on her international career.
“I was part of the group that did duty in the Confederation of African Rugby 7s tournament in Uganda in 2006 and 2007,” she said.
Ndlovu has since participated in a number of international tournaments like the Eastern/ Southern World Cup qualifiers, Blue Bulls tourney and World Cup qualifiers in Uganda among others.
She said there was a serious need for ladies to be educated and assured about participating in the sport because most of them still think rugby is dangerous.
“I also strongly believe that if financial resources are made available most women will take up the sport although they need a lot of support and encouragement,” she said.
Born 33 years ago, Ndlovu did her first three primary grades at Inkanyezi Primary School before completing her primary education at Mawaba Primary School. After her primary education she proceeded to Njube
High School for her secondary education.
Besides the contact sports, Ndlovu says she is a keen follower of soccer and is a die-hard fan of Highlanders while in Europe she follows with interest Chelsea’s matches.
For her parting words about the future of rugby, she said: There is a lot of developmental projects going on in schools right now so I strongly believe if those programmes are not interrupted, the future of rugby in this country is very bright.
Online Reporter