Latest news with #LeratoMakua
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok Women's forward Lerato Makua looking forward to fronting up to Black Ferns' haka
Springbok Women's forward Lerato Makua holds on to the ball during training at UCT on Tuesday. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media Facing up to the haka for any rugby player is one of the highlights of their international careers. Equally, it is one of the most unnerving and Springbok Women's forward Lerato Makua is certainly anxious about the prospect fronting up to the traditional pre-match Maori war dance ahead of the clash against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium on Saturday. 'We've seen it (the haka) on TV and we don't know how it feels when they're doing it,' Makua told the media at UCT on Tuesday. 'We know the nerves are going to be there. 'It will be another experience that we've never experienced before. But we're looking forward to it.' Makua should have nothing to worry about though. The Bulls Daisies utility forward, who hails from Mamelodi East Ext 5, has experienced much worse during a 16-month period she spent on the sidelines due to a long-term knee injury.
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Despite a heavy loss, Bok women made the day special for 11 young girls who love the game
The Bok women had great moments throughout the game, but their discipline or lack thereof, let them down. Seen here are the 11 young female players from Rephafogile, Phateng, Stanza Bopape, and Nellmapius Secondary Schools who met the Springbok Women's team on the field at Loftus. Picture: Supplied Despite a heavy loss to the Canadians, the Bok women's team made the day special for 11 young girls who are still falling in love with the game. 'My training has not only enhanced my technical abilities, but also instilled in me the values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship,' said 17 year-old Mmabontle Mateya. 'I'm excited to bring this foundation of skills and character to the Springboks, one day.' The pupil from Nellmapius Secondary School was part of a group of 11 girls who got to interact with Bok women players on Saturday at an inspiring activation hosted in Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld. Powered by Pick 'n Pay, the young aspiring rugby players from townships in Pretoria attended their first live professional rugby match and met the Springbok Women's team. 'When they see players like Lerato Makua from Mamelodi and Patience Mokoni from Soshanguve wearing the Springbok jersey, it shows them that it's possible, no matter where you come from,' shared Nellmapius Rugby Club coach, Mahlogonolo Gama. ALSO READ: Springboks battle past Italy at Loftus Passionate The 11 pupils attend Rephafogile Secondary School, Phateng Secondary School, Stanza Bopape Secondary School, and Nellmapius Secondary School, where access to sports resources is limited. The schools often lack dedicated sports fields or specialised equipment, making structured training and regular practice sessions challenging. Many rely on local rugby clubs to learn the game. In these environments, female rugby players are especially scarce, with many girls only recently getting opportunities to participate in the sport. 'One of the biggest challenges our young female rugby players face is confidence,' Gama said. She added: 'Support like food packs, gear, and basic need items, such as toiletries, helps these young players give 100% in training, on and off the field.' The head of strategic partnerships and Engagement at Pick n Pay, Tessa Chamberlain, said the activation is more than a once-off experience. 'It's about helping to show these young female players what is possible. By giving these girls visibility, encouragement, and practical exposure to the world of professional rugby.' ALSO READ: Bok assistant coach Stick says Italy are perfect opponents in early season Tough day at the office for Bok women The Bok women had great moments throughout the game, but their discipline or lack thereof, let them down. Canada opened the scoring in the sixth minute when prop Daleaka Menin went over for a converted try; however, the South African team was rewarded with a penalty goal by winger Jakkie Cilliers after 15 minutes, making it 7-3. The North Americans hit back when winger Fancy Bermudez scored from a mistake by the Bok women from the restart. They scored two more converted tries in the first half – both long-range efforts by Flo Symonds (centre) and Laetitia Royer (flanker) – to take a 26-3 lead into the break. Despite their good start in the second half, the Boks allowed the Canadians to extend their lead. The game ended with the teams separated by 30 points as the Canadians won 50-20. NOW READ: Ten-try Bok Women too strong for Uganda
IOL News
03-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Franzel September highlights key role for Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Bok World Cup plan
South Africa's Lerato Makua looking to show readiness to step onto the biggest stage again after injury, by shining at the Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Madagascar. For Springbok Women's assistant coach Franzel September, the forthcoming Rugby Africa Women's Cup is vital preparation for the World Cup, not just an unwelcome distraction on the road to the showpiece in England in August and September. It is also an opportunity for those on the fringes of selection to make a late push for inclusion in the World Cup squad. The Springboks jet off to Madagascar tomorrow to take part in the tournament at Stade Makis in Antananarivo that also features the hosts, Uganda and Kenya. The South African women open the tournament with a match against Uganda in Saturday. "This is all part of our prep for the World Cup, this is our next stop," September said. "In the last few years that we've travelled to Madgascar it wasn't easy – an away game is never easy – but we try to stick to what works for us. "It will always be a challenge playing in Africa. The conditions are different. I can remember that you need to travel about 20 or 30 minutes to get to the playing field so it's always a challenge. But we're up for the challenge because we know that we need to get past that. So it's important for us to stay glued to our systems." September lists the recent European tour and the coming matches against Canada and the Black Ferns as other World Cup building blocks. "If you look at our squad we've got eight players that have played in the previous World Cup, so we're excited to see what they can do. Every opportunity we can get for playing minutes is important, especially for the women's game."
