Clive Thabo Dube
Sports Reporter
IT’S high time females got out of their comfortable cocoons, take up sports as well as life struggles head on as an all-girl-pack.
In Bulawayo, a female rugby player associated herself with the sport to find her strength and confidence. The contact sport is unique in that, due to the demand of the sport, players are required to possess physical prowess and be mentally fit. This enables the players to confidently dive onto the grass covered pitch without any fears.
Though when it comes to sports many venture for financial gain. This is not the case for Langalenkosi Ncube hailing from Cowdray Park. She currently plays for Highlanders Rugby team after falling in love with the massively popular sport in 2014. The 20 year old says the sport is a genuine catalyst to spark confidence and believes females can strive in the male dominated sport, and become women of steel.
Growing up, the Bulawayo based player had little self- confidence with too much shyness. She said rugby boosted her self- esteem and assisted her not to give in to fear. Young girls, most of the time when growing up, are informed they can’t partake in physically demanding sport codes and that notion is engrained in their minds. Mentally they end up telling themselves, “we can’t do this or that”.
“Rugby has that feel of belonging, l feel love, l feel at home and there is oneness. It might be a contact sport but its very welcoming and it has enabled me to see myself as a strong and confident person. I’m no longer shy as before and believe that l can make it in everything that l do as long as l work hard towards that thing.” She said.
Now with the confidence levels high, throughout her rugby career the former Mkhithika Primary School student has managed to be a versatile player. She plays as prop and hooker in sevens, then in the 15s plays flank and earth-man.
Its however worth noting that rugby requires physic strength which is fundamentally crucial for ruggers. It has a huge impact on playing performance. However, strength alone without skill does not make one a better player. Female’s may not be physically strong like males, but they can capitalize on skill, agility to bolster fitness levels. All these components have to balance.
The element of strength in the inclusive sport is the major factor that draws away females into taking part.
“I believe that everyone is equal whether you are a boy or girl. Males might be stronger physically but we are also strong in our own way.” Said Langalenkosi Ncube.
Despite the odds, the Bulawayo Provincial U20 team captain continues to devote her time to this sport. Although the national team is not as decorated as it should, Langa hopes to make it to the top. She prides herself to represent national colours at the highest level in the near future and is eager to develop as a player, and her ultimate goal is to be tomorrows talent.