Karthy tackles Springbok selection
The 25-year-old was recently chosen for the Springbok Women's team for their upcoming fixtures against Spain and Scotland.
THE Springbok Women’s team recently made headlines after booking their place for the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The team were dominant against Kenya winning 39-0 in the deciding match of the world cup qualifiers after beating Uganda and Madagascar earlier in the tournament.
One local, who is looking forward to being part of the squad travelling to the ‘land of the long white cloud’ is Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School staff member, Karthy Dludla.
The 25-year-old was recently chosen for the women’s team who will be taking on Spain on 21 September and Scotland in two test matches this month at the City Park Sports Grounds in Athlone on Monday, 30 September, and Saturday, 5 October.
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“It’s an exciting moment for me and my family. Every time I put on that Springbok jersey I get goosebumps, it’s an absolute honour to represent my country. My rugby skills have been steadily growing over the years and I’m really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead. Last year the Springbok Women had an end of year tour in Europe and that was hugely beneficial for me and for the team. I think that will stand us in good stead against Spain and Scotland this month.
“The last time we played an official test match at home was in 2013 so the chance to play against European opposition on home soil is massive. The excitement in the camp is great and our belief in our abilities is strong. We improve with each game we play so we are confident of doing well in front of our supporters,” Dludla explained.
Dludla, who plays in the lock position, also represents the Sharks women’s team and plays her club rugby for College Rovers.
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Speaking on the prospect of travelling to New Zealand next year, Dludla said she hoped to remain injury free.
“The last time we played in a World Cup in 2006 so we know it’s going to be a tough campaign but we are ready for the challenges that lay ahead. My goal now is to stay injury free, get stronger and improve my ball skills. I also hope I can inspire other young girls out there to take up the sport and grow the scope of the game. We need more women in rugby,” she said.
Dludla will be joined in the women’s team by four other players from the province, Lindelwa Gwala, Tayla Kinsey, Sizophila Solontsi and Zinhle Ndawonde.
“As a province to have five players in the national squad it shows our structures are good and we are producing an abundance of talent. We also some youngsters who’ve represented the SA junior women’s team so the talent in KZN is there and we are a province to reckon with when it comes to women’s rugby,” she said.
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