Springbok colours beckons for Piwo

2019-08-23

Piwokuhle Nyanda recently had a personal tally of 46 points when the Xerox Golden Lions womens’ team beat the Pumas 95-5 at Emirates Airline Park. She is currently also on the radar of Springbok Womens' coach Stanley Raubenheimer.

This included six tries and eight conversions.

We got up close and personal with Piwo, as she is affectionately known to her team mates.

Piwo went to Bedfordview High School and currently studies BTech Operations Management at the University of Johannesburg while she works as a project manager at WHM Media.

• When was the first time you were introduced to rugby?

My first rugby training was with the Golden Lions women in 2015. I was encouraged by my touch rugby coach Bokkie to try rugby due to my speed.

• Why did you decide to start playing rugby?

 I'm all for trying new things, I love challenges. So rugby was a new adventure.

• What did your family and friends think?

My mother and Grandmother were very worried about injuries, but everyone supported me.

• What do you like most about rugby?

Scoring tries and team trips. Best memories and friendship are formed.

• What do you say to people who comment that it is a ‘mans’ game’?

Rugby is the only sport everyone can play. Big, small, tall, short, black or white, so why would gender be an issue? Rugby is for everyone.

• What do you do for a living?

 I am a project manager at WHM media, and a student at the University of Johannesburg doing my BTech in Operations management.

•  How often do you train?

I train four times a week. Monday and Wednesday with the Golden Lions and Tuesday and Thursday with my club Pirates Rugby Club.

• You also take the kicking responsibilities. When did you start kicking at the poles?

I started last year as a joke. And my club coach Chanel Alberts decided we should work on it.  I guess it was another adventure for me. And I have improved and still working on it.

•  Are you in a relationship? And if so, what does you partner think about you playing rugby?

Yes I am. My partner used to play rugby, so I believe we just work because nothing brings us closer as rugby does.

Annemie Bester