Reservoir Hills is making its mark in girls’ rugby, with 13 young players selected to represent KwaZulu-Natal at the Junior Inter-Provincial Touch Rugby Tournament in Johannesburg.
Dr AD Lazarus Secondary, Palmiet Primary, Resmount Primary and Reservoir Hills Primary sent more than 25 players to a provincial High Performance training camp, with 16 making the final squad – 13 of them girls.
The achievement comes during Women’s Month and highlights the growing popularity of rugby among young women in the community.
The programmes are supported by Siripat Lions Rugby Club, which has been developing youth rugby in Reservoir Hills since 2019.
Club manager and coach Sibusiso Mosehla said the club’s focus goes beyond the rugby field.
“We believe firmly in the holistic development of the player, both on and off the field. Player mentorship is the foundational principle of the club,” he said.
The provincial players are Nicole Zibula, Anele Ngcobo, Melokuhle Mbatha and Zanele Sinyokota (Dr AD Lazarus Secondary); Thando Silangwe and Asanda Ngobese (Palmiet Primary); Thobeka Majola, Omuhle Ngwenya, Alwande Ngwenya and Inga Novuka (Resmount Primary); and Elomso Msitshana and Noluthando Nkabinde (Reservoir Hills Primary).
Siripat Lions chairman Deon Naicker said Touch Rugby provides an ideal entry point for youngsters who may not yet be ready for contact rugby.
“We believe in the player first and foremost. Every child is different and unique. The player is our priority, and the Reservoir Hills community is our legacy,” he said.
The ADL Raptors ladies team is also making waves in contact rugby, winning four of its last six matches.
The provincial players now face the Junior Inter-Provincials in Gauteng at the end of September and are appealing for assistance with tournament costs, rugby boots and sports bras.
To support the team, contact Siripat Lions Rugby Club on 081 423 5962 or email siripatlions@gmail.com.
