More than a game! Ndlovu’s rugby journey leads to anti-doping advocacy

HEATHER Fisher’s success as a standout rugby player for England has set a high standard for future generations of female athletes, who are now pushing the boundaries of the sport like never before.

Nothando Ndlovu, a 46-year-old sports director and physical education teacher at Westque Junior School in Harare, is a testament to this growth, defying societal expectations by actively participating in male-dominated sports like boxing, football, and rugby.

Ndlovu’s journey began at Inkanyezi Primary School in Lobengula, and continued at Mawaba Primary School and Njube High School where her passion for sports education led her to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and an IOC Advanced Sports Management course diploma from the Zimbabwe Open University, graduating in 2023.

Despite starting in football, Ndlovu discovered her love for rugby in 2000, eventually becoming a fly-half and centre for Highlanders Rugby Club.
She tours African countries such as Uganda, Zambia and Botswana, and is also involved in anti-doping education, coaching, and started match officiating in 2004.

Despite a knee injury forcing her retirement from playing rugby, Ndlovu’s passion for sports remains strong, and she is now a Level Two 7s and 15s coach as well as a commissioner at the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.

Through her inspiring journey, Ndlovu encourages other women in sports to work hard, be honest with themselves, and pursue their dreams with unwavering belief and confidence.

Ndlovu wasn’t alone in her passion. She grew up in a supportive family, particularly from her father, who was a boxer and encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

“My uncle once tried to shift my focus from rugby by introducing me to boxing, and I took part in four boxing bouts at that time,” said Ndlovu.
The surge in women’s rugby media coverage has significantly propelled the sport onto a bigger stage, boosting its popularity, and this growth is exemplified by Ndlovu.

“I played soccer for Highlanders Royals from 1993 to 2000, and I then switched to rugby in 2000,” she said.
In 2004 she went to South Africa and competed in the Pretoria University Under-15s rugby game against Tuks Rugby Club.

“In 2006-2007 I participated in the Africa Championships 7s in Uganda, we were plate winners and in 2008 I went to the World Cup qualifiers in Uganda,” said Ndlovu.

In 2009, Ndlovu took her passion for sport a step further by volunteering with the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee for anti-doping education.
“Doping in sports has been increasing over the years, but we are trying to create awareness using examples of people that we know who were banned. I’m still actively involved with the anti-doping committee of Zimbabwe,” she said.

A knee injury in 2012 unfortunately forced Ndlovu’s retirement from playing rugby. However, her passion for the sport remained strong, and she transitioned into coaching the following year.

“Now I am a Level 2, 7s and 15s coach, Level 2 match officiator, Level 1 coach and educator of match officials,” she said.
Reflecting on her career highlights, Ndlovu fondly remembers leading her team to victory in the 2009 Champions BancABC Tournament in Harare, a feat they repeated in 2010. These championship wins undoubtedly rank among her best years in rugby.

Ever the motivator, Ndlovu encourages women to embrace challenges with confidence and unwavering belief in their dreams. Her
“My advice to other women in sports is that one should work hard towards their goals, they are achievable. Be honest to yourself and do what you do best,” she said.