WSU STUDENT EARNS CALL-UP TO SPRINGBOK’S WOMEN ALIGNMENT CAMP

Lithalethu Nombakuse, a 4^th year Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase) student, earned a prestigious call-up to attend the Springboks Women’s senior team alignment camp, placing her firmly on the national rugby radar.

The 20-year-old Right Winger, who is currently playing for WSU Pythons in Komani, was scouted at the Under 20 Women’s Week Tournament in 2025 where she played for the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) against the Sharks and Bulls rugby teams.

Her three-year career has seen her play for the EPRU, the Border Rugby Union, the Motherwell Jaguars, and the Metro 7s (Nelson Mandela Bay).

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Being invited to a national alignment camp is something I never imagined when I first started playing rugby, and it motivates me to keep working harder,” said Nombakuse.

The camp serves as a multi-day programme focused on preparing players and coaches for the season through strategic, technical, and cultural alignment.

Talking about her journey in the sport, Nombakuse said rugby piqued her interest in 2023 while attending a sports day event in WSU’s Komani Campus.

“To this day, I can’t put into words what drew me to the sport. I picked up that ball, threw and caught it a couple of times and I never looked back.”

Prior to that, Nombakuse describes herself as a dedicated and thriving athlete who ran 100 – 400 meters at Masiphathisane Senior Secondary School in Gqeberha.

“I’ve always prided myself in being a dedicated to sportsmanship from a very young age,” said Nombakuse.

She added, “Athletics gave me discipline, but rugby strengthened my dedication and taught me respect, teamwork, and humility. I believe these can help create a healthy, supportive environment among students, which truly reflects the spirit of Ubuntu at WSU.”

Nombakuse attributed her success to the unwavering support of her coaches, Athi Mjiyane and Siyabulela Landela, who have been instrumental in shaping her rugby journey through consistence mentorship.

Nombakuse echoed the encouragement of her coach, who often reminded her, “Kwekwe, silapha ngoku. Beka iziphazamisi eCaleni and stay focused,” urging her to block out distractions and remain fully committed on the field.

She further credited her teammates for their constant encouragement and belief in her, as well as the unwavering motivation from her uncle, who repeatedly reminded her to always give her best, saying, “You never know who’s watching.

“There were moments when I doubted myself, but their constant encouragement reminded me why I started and helped me stay committed to my goals.”

Nombakuse said she was most grateful for the opportunity as it provided her a chance to train alongside her hero and captain of the team, Babalwa Latsha.

“I am star-struck every time I see her, and she has been very supportive and motivating. She often checks up on me to see if I’m keeping up with my training.”

By Ongezwa Sigodi