NO to Bok colours but YES for matric

THE Limpopo Blue Bulls women’s rugby team captain, Rights Mkhari (20) has turned down an offer to be part of the national women’s rugby team.

A gr. 12 Russell Bungeni Secondary School learner, Mkhari said she turned down the offer as she wanted to focus on her studies.

Asked if she was influenced to make this decision, she made it clear the decision was her own.

“I appreciate the opportunity I got from the Springbok management, but I had to make this tough decision. National team players are always away and this will deny me the opportunity to study. I will however, continue playing for the Limpopo Blue Bulls,” she said.

Mkhari was part of the Springbok team last year when they played in England. She said she wanted to study optometry after school.

“I will continue playing even when I am in university. Rugby is second on my priority list and my wish is to play for one of the professional teams,” she said.

She said education came first and advised young people to find a balance between sport and education.

According to Mkhari, nothing came easy in life, so people should work hard and do their best in everything.

Mkhari started playing rugby in 2008. She said she played the sport as it was the only one available in her community.

She is part of for Bungeni Rugby Club in Elim.

“I was very happy to wear the South African rugby jersey for the first time and I was also delighted to represent my country. I am still working hard to claim a spot in the national team after I complete high school,” she said.