What started as a hobby has become a passion and obsession for a 21-year-old Hollywoodbets Sharks Women’s Senior team player Anele Ngubane.
Ngubane who hails from Northdale, in Pietermaritzburg has a burning dream of playing for the national team, Springboks Women, despite her only starting to play rugby at university.
The fourth-year student in radiography at Durban University of Technology, Steve Biko Campus started playing rugby in 2021 when she enrolled for her first year and has managed to make the Sharks Ladies senior team.
Speaking to Hollywoodbets, Ngubane, who is also an U15 coach, said she used to captain a netball team during high school and played soccer.
Her former high school did not offer a lot of sporting codes such as rugby.
“When I got to university, I challenged myself and wanted to try something new since I had too much time. I had to learn everything about rugby from scratch because I did not have any knowledge,” Ngubane said.
“I joined the DUT Warriors team, and it was very hard at the beginning, but my love for rugby grew as time went by. Right now, it has become my passion,” she said.
Before being chosen for the Hollywoodbets Sharks Ladies senior team, Ngubane used to play for the U20 team.
Earlier in the year, Ngubane attended trials and was selected to be part of the senior team.
She played a few games but was unfortunate to suffer an injury setback.
“When I got selected, I could not believe it. I used to be nervous and ask myself if ‘I was good enough’. The fact that I was now going to be playing alongside Springboks players was just unbelievable and very encouraging at the same time,” Ngubane said.
“I wish that one day I can play for the national team, but for now I just want to improve myself and be the best I can for my team. I want to grow as a player and show my talent.”
Speaking about her injury, Ngubane said she cannot wait to return to the field of play.
“I am doing so well both physically and mentally,” she said.
“It can be a bit challenging when you are playing for a big team and you are a student, you just need to balance everything, and you will be fine. I have found balance and that helps me a lot.
“If you want to be good and grow in sport, you need to be teachable, listen and always learn new things. Most importantly do not give up, believe in yourself, and give your best in everything you do.”
