While many young South Africans are still searching for their path, Bo-Kaap resident Insaaf Levy has already carved out two demanding careers, as a rugby player representing her country and a newly qualified doctor.

The 23-year-old Western Province scrumhalf told People’s Post that although she participated in several sports at school, including netball and athletics, it was rugby that ultimately captured her heart.

“My main sport was touch rugby, which I started when I was about 7 years old. So, I have always played some form of rugby. I really enjoyed touch and it built my skills for when I moved to contact rugby in university.”

Rugby Roots

Levy, who is the daughter of Stormers skills coach Labeeb Levy, says she comes from a strong rugby bloodline.

She grew up around the sport through her father’s long-standing involvement in the game, while her maternal grandfather, Dicky Sieed, served as a Western Province coach before unification.

Her younger sister, Nuha, is also following in the family’s rugby footsteps. She currently plays as a flyhalf for the Western Province Women’s u-20 team.

Levy explained that one of her career highlights was that she was recently among nine uncapped players selected to represent the green and gold, for the Springbok Women’s squad at this year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Kenya.

The tournament, which took place from Thursday 21 May to Sunday 31 May, saw South Africa defeat Kenya 35-20 to win the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup for the fifth time.

Levy said being part of the victorious squad was both a proud and humbling experience, especially as one of the newer members of the team.

“It was great to be part of the environment. I’m new and learning a lot from the players and coaches. I just do my best and try to add as much value to the team as possible.”

Personal Growth

She also shared how she balances sport and studies, embracing lifelong learning and inspiring young people to pursue their goals with purpose.

“I only just finished my degree in March, so doing med school and playing sport was a bit challenging. I think it was a bit of trial and error by seeing what worked and didn’t work and I think I found my routine in 6th year (of studies).”

While rugby and medicine occupy much of her time, Levy says maintaining a healthy balance is important, often finding comfort in the company of loved ones.

“I mostly like to spend my off time with family and friends just relaxing or doing things to take my mind off medicine and rugby.”

Levy explains that her drive comes from a desire to keep growing, constantly seeking new knowledge, refining her skills and finding ways to improve both on and off the field.

As the country commemorates Youth Day tomorrow Levy encourages young people to “keep going” in pursuit of their dreams.

Levy says her immediate focus is on improving as a rugby player while also prioritising her medical internship.

“I think my main goal is just to keep improving my rugby skills to become better as a player. In terms of medicine, I think I’m just focusing on internship at the moment.”

ALSO READ: Bo-Kaap doctor Insaaf Levy earns Springbok Women call-up for Africa Cup