Mamello Mokoena was one of the few learners who recently played rugby at the National Girls Week, also known as Craven Week, held at Jeppe Boys High from July 1 to 5.
National Girls Week is a tournament where young female rugby players showcase their talent as they are considered for university bursaries or an opportunity to play for the SA Junior Springboks team.
Mamello said: “The tournament was thrilling – the adrenaline rush of competing against other teams, the camaraderie with my teammates, and the sense of accomplishment.
“We faced tough opponents, but worked in unity, supported each other, and pushed ourselves to our limits.”
Mamello mentioned how this experience taught her valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
“I returned home feeling more confident, inspired, and passionate about the sport.”
According to Mamello, while growing up, she was not a rugby fan and never wished to play rugby in her lifetime.
Her focus was to get into high school and be part of a netball team. When she got to Glenvista High School, she played netball for one year.
In 2022, a former classmate introduced her to touch rugby, which according to her, was a sport she knew nothing about.
However, she gave the sport a chance, not knowing that she would eventually fall into it.
Mamello then joined the contact rugby team from Sir John Adamson High.
According to Mamello, Sir John’s rugby team was under the Lions League and this gave her a chance to at the Lions’ selections for the national week for 2022.
Mamello said this was a big step towards her sporting career but it became unfortunate that she didn’t make it to the team.
With her being tenacious, she didn’t give up, until she got an opportunity at the inter-provincial trials for the Lions. Her hard work and improvement secured her a place on the team.
“I have an astonishing support structure, and that is my mother. She was my number-one support from day one and was there at every practice game. She is the one who made me push myself when I wanted to give up.”
In 2023, Mamello changed clubs and joined the Valke Rugby Union. During March and April, her team had trials to play at the National Week 2023.
Mamello said: “During those trials from more than 200 girls, I got selected to play at the National Girls Week.”
Again, this year, Mamello took a leap of faith and trailed as number 6 (flanker) after she heard that Valke would be hosting trials again for the National Girls Week 2024.
Mamello stated the trial process was intense, as there were close to 600 players in each age group.
Despite the trial’s intense experience, Mamello saw herself being selected for the U18 Valke rugby provincial girls’ team – a proud moment for any player.
“The sense of accomplishment and pride in our team’s performance was unforgettable. It was an inspiring and empowering experience that I will always treasure,” said Mamello.
