Rugby provides Ruth with a sense of belonging
Ruth Mahlako said that women's participation in the sport has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that they are capable to partipate in contact sport, given that rugby is dominated by males.
POLOKWANE- For Ruth Mahlako (27), playing rugby has provided her with a sense of belonging in the midst of trying to find her place in the world.
The data science masters student at the University of Limpopo (UL) began playing rugby in 2014 and in the same year, was picked to be a part of the sevens squad that represented UL at the University Student South Africa rugby tournament (USSA).
You might also want to read: Coaching rugby keeps Ignatuis’ mind busy and keeps him focused
“Participating in the sevens tournament was a thrilling experience for me and seeing the discipline, excitement and love, really grabbed my curiosity, and I knew I had to play rugby.
I have been playing for the past six years and it has become a way of life for me,” Ruth said.
She told BONUS that university rugby is ever-changing as students complete their studies. This, she said has taught the team to adjust and accommodate those changes, which in turn, encourages patience and character as the sport demands discipline
Ruth said that women’s participation in the sport has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that they are capable to partipate in contact sport, given that rugby is dominated by males.
“Playing rugby is mentally and physically tough, but with the right supervision and coaching, nothing is impossible. The most challenging and stigmatising aspect of being a woman playing rugby is that people expect you to have a specific physical appearance, but it doesn’t stop us from having fun on the field, regardless of our body types,” Ruth added.
She added that when it comes to individual and team sponsorship, women who play rugby do not receive adequate support, publicity or respect. “We are still underpaid or not paid at all in comparison to male athletes, which is quite sad and discouraging at times.
We frequently play because we enjoy the sport, and there is nothing we can do about it,” she said.
The UL women’s rugby team won the Plate Cup in their rookie debut at the 2014 USSA rugby tournament, and they have finished first in their club regional games since 2015, representing the province at the annual Club Championships. “I have also been selected for the Limpopo Blue Bulls provincial women’s team since 2014 for both the sevens and 15’s squads,” she boasted.
Ruth said her coaches, Thando Mandla, Kobus Redelinghuys and Artwell Makhubele have all played an important role in her rugby journey, teaching her how to channel her energy, believe in herself, appreciate her contribution to the team and love her teammates.
“They have fought battles for us that we are unaware of, and we appreciate their love and support,” she said.
Ruth aims to be a part of the Springbok women’s squad one day.
“We are influenced by people like Rights Mukhari, whom we played with, who has been a part of the Springboks sevens squad since 2017.
“She inspired us to believe that we, too, can have goals and achieve them.
To the women who are playing rugby, let us continue to be an inspiration to those who do not have the opportunities that we have, and let us play clean and non-doping rugby.”
