BY Nkosazana Ngwadla
Third-year Bachelor of Architectural Studies student Ms Sisanda Ndlela has been called up to play for the Springbok Women’s 7s.
The 23-year-old hopes to play professionally in the near future and travel globally. ‘I 100% believe I will play professionally, but my qualification as an architect will be my plan B once my legs can’t run anymore,’ said Ndlela.
She cites being called up to play for the Springboks Women’s 7s and playing at South Africa’s first ever Women’s Varsity Cup 2023 among her rugby highlights.
Ndlela, who plays centre and wing, said rugby can be a beacon of hope for would-be rugby players – with the caveat that more support needs to be channelled into women’s rugby. ‘Like any sport, women’s rugby requires support, a platform and funding. I believe once the fundamental needs are fulfilled women’s rugby will thrive and reach the girl child in the most hopeless situation.’
She offered these words of advice to women keen on playing rugby professionally. ‘Don’t view women’s rugby in its current state, but how it will unfold for the better in the future. Don’t be discouraged as women’s rugby is on the rise and will soon be a sport to be reckoned with – don’t attach your dreams to current scenarios.’
‘Don’t be afraid to dream big because it’s never hurt anyone, unless you get tackled on the field,’ she joked. The Durbanite counts Zintle Mpupha, Nadine Roos, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Charlotte Caslick and Stacey Fluhler among her rugby heroes.
Ndlela acknowledged the challenge of juggling reading for a degree and a sports career. ‘I’ve found myself wedged between two contrasting prestige careers paths that both need a full-time presence and it’s never been easy. However due to multitasking academics and sport from when I was in school, I’ve familiarised myself with this tough journey and compromised when necessary. While it hasn’t been easy, I wouldn’t have it any other way, I love it too much!’
She added that, ‘Mental health – anxiety and depression – were my biggest challenges in my youth. Life has a very unique way to either make or break you and once you self-introspect and learn about these things it ties into one beautiful read of how far you have grown.’
Ndlela has a strong support system thanks to her family. ‘My family is my weakness as I am overly protective of every single one of them. Words cannot express my gratitude to them.
‘My mother, Ms Lungi Rosemary Ngcobo played a huge role in my choice to combine the worlds of sport and academia to create an independent lifestyle. She is my rock and I love her and appreciate her willingness to put our lives before her own and make many sacrifices to provide for us as a mother and a father,’ she said.
She acknowledged her late father, Mr Mandlenkosi Andrias Ndlela, for contributing to her sporting success and growth and development. ‘He made me realise the beauty in sport and from him, I learned that life’s hardships don’t define you, but make you wiser.’
She also paid tribute to her siblings and niece. ‘My little sister, Ms Nontobeko Thandeka Ndlela, helps me ground myself in the family and she has helped me learn that there are different things outside of what I know, and I must always be open to learning the new, unlearning the old and growing in many fun and light ways.
‘My little brother, Mr Aneliswa Lwazi Ndlela is someone I’ve held close and dearly for the longest time as not only did I learn to love and appreciate another male beside my father, but he is also my comedian and lifts me up when I’m feeling low.’
She thanked her older sister Ms Nompilo Ndlela for teaching her to ‘defy the odds and to learn to assert and cement myself even in male-dominated paths such as architecture and rugby’. She spoke fondly of her 8-year-old niece Ms Alondwe Madlala, who has rounded off the family which has been such a source of strength and support.
Ndlela has a loving and supportive partner (Mr Ntsika Samson Fisanti) with whom she shares her life’s ambitions and goals. ‘He is my best friend and has had my back in my darkest days. We push each other to be great each day we wake – I am truly blessed to have him in my life. He helped me put my life back in place when I was at my most broken and now I’m growing and getting stronger.’
Image and source: UKZN
