From Zimasa to Springboks: Mbovane's mission to create women rugby champions

Former Blitzbok and Junior Springbok Tshotsho Mbovane relishes the chance to play a role in creating another women's rugby sensation from Langa.  

This time, he hopes to see someone follow in the footsteps of the current Bok, Sinazo Mcatshulwa. 

Mbovane currently works as the coach of the women's sides at Zimasa Primary School, the same school where Mcatshulwa first played rugby.

The under-20 IRB World Cup winner says that this year alone, he had eight players from his school selected for the Western Province team, and he expects even more next year. 

But that’s not where it ends for him. Mbovane is dreaming bigger and wants to see his players don the green and gold of the national team in the years to come.

“I’m trying my best to make sure these kids have all the opportunities they can get. To make it to the provincial side and then later the national team,” he said. 

“Next year, we are working on having more learners join the province.” 

Mbovane speaks proudly of Mcatshulwa’s journey, which he hopes can continue to have a positive impact on kids from Zimasa and Langa. 

“If you look at Sinazo Mcatshulwa, she comes from this school and she became a professional. I also became a professional, played Sevens, and won the Under-20 World Cup,” he said. 

He believes that having both himself and Mcatshulwa as examples of success is a huge motivator for the young girls he coaches.

“We have been winning a lot of competitions and playing a lot of rugby, which is good for the kids' development.” 

The former Bok is also looking to expand his coaching talents to the Western Province side, where he already assists the female squad from time to time. But he’s not rushing the move, believing that the key is patience and persistence. 

“The opportunity will come in its own time,” he said.