Wits ladies break into Lions Women’s rugby mould
- Tshepiso Mametela
Two Wits rugby players received invites to a Lions Women’s camp held at the Johannesburg Stadium in New Doornfontein in preparation for the 2022 Women’s Inter-Provincial League this month.
Marenda Morwatshehla and Dayna Vos, who play for the university’s only women’s team that contests the annual Mastercard Women’s Pirates Grand Challenge, both received their first call-ups to the rugby union side.
The pair were selected after Wits got their season underway in February. Morwatshehla, a third-year BCom Accounting student whom one day hopes to play for the Springbok Women, eagerly took the chance to train with the provincial outfit.
“I’m gratified to have been one of the ladies chosen. I felt like I was among some of the greatest people in this field. This opportunity meant I was a step closer to being the greatest in the field, too,” said Morwatshehla.
“The training was everything and more. But there were things I didn’t know about, having played rugby for only two years before this. The trial run introduced me to these things. It helped up my game and I can safely say that going forward, I will be the best in it.”
The 20-year-old lock was, however, unable to make the final squad but welcomed the experience. Noting the lessons picked up at the camp, she said she seeks to strike a balance between her game and studies.
“One of my objectives is to effectively fit academics and rugby into my schedule to achieve a balanced life. Little things like how to stand up quickly after a tackle,” Morwatshehla recalled.
“Also, I wasn’t the best at scrums, but I learnt how to properly stand in position to maintain my balance. In addition, I learnt that communication and support in the field are the best weapons one can use to change the game.”
Vos, who could not participate in the camp due to personal issues, said she was honoured to be chosen and will use the endorsement to improve her knowledge of the basics.
“I was wrestling a bit with [the call-up] because I was pretty sure I would not be able to make the commitment to the team due to a family obligation,” the Information Systems student said.
“I believe training with all those talented players would have been a wonderful experience. From here, I plan to focus on the basics of the game. I also intend to learn more about the strategy and structure of rugby since it is different to any other sport I’ve played.”