Semono, who was recently included in the Limpopo Blue Bulls female rugby team for their upcoming matches, says there are a lot of young women in the Westenburg area who want to pursue rugby but are let down by the lack of resources and financial support.
The 19-year-old Gr 10 learner from Westenburg High School said they need training and playing equipment at the club.
“We are struggling in this regard. We do not have training and playing apparel and that component pushes a lot of young talented women away from the sporting code. We need boots, cones for drills, rugby balls, tackling bags, a scrum machine, water bottles, mouth guards and all accessories related to rugby. Most of the girls in our club are from impoverished backgrounds, child-headed families and some have parents but they are unemployed. The parents want them to play but they are unable to buy equipment. We just need someone to help us,” Semono remarked.
She emphasised that a fertile ground will catapult the aspiring players in the area to greater heights. “We need a better environment to thrive. Some can do well under the circumstances but some will struggle. There is a lot of rugby talent in the area, we just need someone to nurture and preserve that talent.”
Semono’s coach, Adam Adams believes that if they have adequate resources, they will be able to produce more provincial and national players. “We only have two female players from a pool of 30 players who were selected for the Limpopo Blue Bulls female rugby team. That is not enough. I believe we could produce more players if we have the resources.”
Adams added they also need their own playing ground in order to achieve that goal. “We share a field with soccer players in the area and sometimes the training sessions and schedules clash, and as a result, we are unable to complete our training sessions.”
