CAPE TOWN – DF Malan High School learner Jessie Schoeman is living her rugby dream as part of South Africa’s first-ever u-18 girls squad, which will take on the Netherlands in two historic international matches Friday 12 December and Tuesday, 16 December.
The Bellville teenager is among 26 players selected following an elite player development camp held in Riebeek Kasteel this week, bringing together the cream of the nation’s female rugby talent.
For Jessie’s parents, Madre and Emuel Schoeman, watching their daughter achieve this milestone is the culmination of years of dedication and support from the local rugby community.
“A parent’s hope is always that your children’s dreams will come true, and that is what happened today with this historic first match against the Netherlands,” they said.
They emphasized the community effort behind Jessie’s success: “No achievement ever happens in isolation.” The family expressed gratitude towards DF Malan Girls Rugby, her school coaches, Western Province coaches, fellow rugby parents, friends, family, and their faith for supporting Jessie’s journey.
Former Springbok winger Jongi Nokwe has been appointed head coach, with Aneesah Adams from Maties and Lesego Malebadi from the University of Johannesburg serving as assistant coaches.
The groundbreaking series will see the young Springbok women face the Netherlands later today and Tuesday at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch. The squad will be based at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport during their preparation.
“This is a big development in our women’s programme and to see the excitement amongst the girls, and the enormous amounts of hard work they put in this week, bodes well for the future,” said Nokwe.
The Western Province coach expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead: “We can’t wait to get stuck in with this squad and start working towards the two matches. It’s going to be tough, but everyone involved is ready for this challenge, which is also a wonderful opportunity for the players and management alike.”
The squad features players from across the country, with Western Province leading the charge with 11 representatives, followed by Eastern Province with seven players. The forwards pack includes talent from provinces ranging from the Bulls and Boland to Border and the Pumas.
Notable forwards include Western Province’s Isipho Dungelo, Likhona Masiza and Asive Gaqa, alongside Eastern Province duo Masizana Orie and Chuma Isaac. The Pumas have contributed Nokulinda Makhubela and Vuyiswa Ngwenya to the forward contingent.
Exciting backline talent
The backline showcases equally impressive depth, with Western Province backs Danica Pypers, Nuha Levy, Coby Mentoor, Jessie Schoeman and Anitha Fazi set to take the field alongside Eastern Province stars including Likhona Dyani, Lukhanye Lolo and Julene Hass.
SWD’s Nailha Jansen and Lions representative Nodumiso Molusi round out a backline that promises to deliver exciting rugby against the Dutch visitors.
This historic series represents a significant step forward for women’s rugby development in South Africa, providing young female players with their first opportunity to represent their country at U18 level and gain valuable international experience that will serve them well as they progress through the rugby ranks.
