FNB UWC are excited to make their debut in the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup Women’s tournament.
Head coach Aneesah Adams however says it is important to look at the value of the competition to women’s rugby.
“It is a national platform for players to showcase their talents. If more games were being broadcast live it would have been an amazing opportunity for exposure of the women’s game.”
Adams believes that despite fielding a relatively inexperienced UWC side, the diverse group of players will make full use of the platform that the competition provides.
“We have a very young and inexperienced team. I would love to see them reach their full potential within the next few years. We have brought together players from different backgrounds, cultures, and circumstances to create the diverse team we currently have.”
Just three years ago the UWC women’s team barely had enough players to field a 15-a-side team and had to settle to compete and hone their skills in the shortened version of the game. As Adams reflects on the trajectory of the squad, she remains upbeat that her UWC ladies will be a force to be reckoned with in a few years.
"I strongly believe that this UWC women’s team will be in the top five university teams within the next few seasons. We have grown a lot in the last three years going from only having enough players for a sevens team to qualifying for the Varsity Cup."
Adams transitioned into coaching about seven years ago and has taken the challenge head-on.
“In 2017, I realised that I wanted to pursue a career in coaching instead of the medical side of sport. Coaching is more than just the actual instruction, explanation, and demonstrations. Being a head coach means that you have to have a holistic approach to coaching.
“Trying to navigate a mostly male-dominated sport, a few years ago the opportunities for women were limited. In recent years the opportunities in women’s rugby have increased.”
SQUAD (subject to change)
Nandile Mvandaba, Sisipho Tshotsha, Asiphe Mayaba, Lee-Amber Beukes, Alicia Mlindazwe, Caroline Mokoena, Kaylin de Klerk, Moesha Muntz, Asthandile Bunge, Pamela Booys, Abongwe Vilane, Taliyah Bussack, Voice Ndou, Courtney Jenniker, Nikicia Eksteen, Doney Filies, Nobuhle Tshabalala, Corne Oerson, Siddeeqa Arries, Sesona Mbengo, Vutomi Shingwenyana, Taylon Pieterse, Reshoketswe Lebipi, Musfeeqa Arries, Yanga Klaas, Esethu Witbooi, Michaela January, Iviwe Jonas, Sesethu Ntamnani, Delon van Wyk, Siphokuhle Madide, Nutaylah Gasant, Venisha Dietrich, Unathi Tolbart, Shela Mpai, Zena Swart, Anathi Mkiva.
by Lyndon Julius
For a full fixture list, click HERE.
