Local officials thrive
Muriel Brand School has just seen three of their own selected to become Valke Union referees.
Women’s rugby has become the fastest growing sport in South Africa, and the ladies in Brakpan have made sure they do not get left behind.
Muriel Brand School has just seen three of their own selected to become Valke Union referees.
Lucretia Aucamp, Liezl O’Neill and Shivanka Theron are three of the local region’s newest officials.
Aucamp, who is a teacher at the school, has been a referee for several years after having started in the Eastern Cape. Her influence helped O’Neill and Theron get involved in the game as officials. O’Neill started as a player before an injury led her to take the whistle.
“After the injury, I thought my career was over, but Lucy (Aucamp) convinced me to try refereeing. I went to a sevens tournament and I loved it,” said O’Neill.
“So I’m still involved in rugby. I can’t be on the field playing, but I can be on the field controlling and I love it.”
Fourteen-year-old Theron sees being a player as being a challenge and an opportunity to do something different.
Aucamp boasts a few years of experience having witnessed the likes of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and backline coach Mzwandile Stick playing in their younger days in Uitenhage.
She is proud to be able to create a career path that is different to being a player.
While the number of women getting involved in rugby is increasing, there are still people who are reluctant to accept it.
“Being the only female referee in the Eastern Cape and growing in the sport, I would constantly hear that women should not be in the sport and I should be in the kitchen was the most difficult part,” said Aucamp.
“But I think it’s better now because the world is adapting.”
Now that the trio is registered Valke referees, what is next for them?
“We are now in the offseason, so we are finished with the sevens tournament we were officiating,” said Aucamp.
“It is about preparations for next year and in February we will be back.”
