Chronicle EditorShingai Dhlamini, [email protected]
FORMER rugby player Phathokuhle Ncube not only followed in the footsteps of her renowned cousin, former Highlanders Rugby Club star, Thulani “Dubula” Ndlovu.
She has demonstrated her passion for the game beyond the pitch by dedicating her time to coaching at local schools, inspiring the next generation of rugby talent.
“I would watch my cousin play, and he would let me play with the ball when he came home. From there, I developed a love for the game of rugby,” she said.
Born in 1980, the pint-sized Ncube started her rugby career in 2000. She attended Msiteli High School in Mpopoma and Nketa High School. Initially, her mother did not support her sporting career due to her small physique, but she later became a cheerleader when Ncube started playing rugby.
“She thought it was a very rough sport for me because of my small body, but she changed her mind when I joined the international squad as a Lady Cheetah,” said Ncube.
Ncube alternated between 1st centre and blind wing positions. She enjoyed the travel opportunities that came with the sport. In 2007, she participated in the Central Africa Republic (CAR) tournament held at Kyadondo Rugby Stadium in Uganda, where they lost to Kenya.
“My most impressive years in rugby were between 2004 and 2008. During that time, we travelled to other countries for competitions. I met other female rugby players and drew inspiration from them, especially our Zambian counterparts,” she said.
She once played for the Western Panthers. In 2017, she received an accolade for being the most dedicated rugby player. Ncube retired at the end of the 2017 season.
Due to her love for rugby, Ncube now volunteers as a coach for grassroots programmes in schools. “I still love the game of rugby. That’s why I volunteer to coach children and give them the right training they need from the grassroots level,” said Ncube.
Like any dedicated sportswoman, Ncube is against the use of drugs and performance-enhancing products.
“Doping in sports is a serious issue that needs serious attention because it usually destroys a lot of sportspeople before they reach their true potential.
Rugby has a zero-tolerance policy towards doping, and players are expected to be solely responsible for any prohibited substances found in their bodies. My advice is to persevere and stay focused. If you want to make a name for yourself, push harder,” said Ncube.
Ncube also reflected on the lack of gender equality in sports during her playing days. “Gender inequality seemed to be a norm back then; it was never properly balanced during our time. But I’m happy with how things are nowadays.
The Girl Child is being given opportunities to uplift herself and is given significance just like her male counterpart.”
Ncube noted significant improvements over the years. Zimbabwe’s national women’s 15s rugby team, the Lady Sables, has been making headlines.
In the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2022, they secured a remarkable victory by defeating Namibia 72-0, which propelled them from 49th to 45th in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings.
“This achievement highlights the progress women’s rugby has made in the country over the years,” said Ncube.
Her two sons are also greatly involved in rugby as well as basketball and cricket. She supports them by coaching at their schools.
Online Reporter