It's a woman's world

NONDUMISO 'Busi' Zondi was one of two UCT students – the other being Sibulele Mafanya – to make their debuts for the Western Province women's rugby side this year, helping the team to a respectable fourth place in the recent inter-provincial championship in Port Elizabeth.

But Zondi's career was almost a non-starter. First inspired by the Springbok victory in the 1995 World Cup, she found no outlet for her aspirations. “Unfortunately, rugby is not a sport that you find a lot of women playing in the backyard or something,” says the biochemistry honours student.

She had to wait until 1998, when she played for the Wits University women's touch rugby team. But that side soon faded, as did any hope of playing the game competitively when she came to UCT in 2000. Early this year, quite by chance, she met and was invited by Linda Fielden, manager of the Villagers women's team, to join that squad.

Soon a regular in the side, Zondi was shortly thereafter selected for WP. And she hopes that next year's league will help her towards her ultimate sporting goal. “Just like any other rugby player, I want to make Springbok,” she laughs.

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