Tears and laughter — Springbok Women inspire Zwide pupils in touching homecoming visit

The spirit of rugby and resilience hung in the air at Ndzondelelo High School in Zwide on Wednesday morning as the Springbok Women’s team paid a visit to the school, before their Test against Canada in Gqeberha.

The national side was greeted with a powerful display of amagwijo (isiXhosa celebratory songs) sung by the school’s rugby teams, including 50 female players. Among the songs was Intliziyo yam iyabekezela (“My heart endures and never gives up”), echoing the perseverance and dreams embodied by the visiting athletes.

Pupils formed a guard of honour, welcoming the Springboks with cheers, handshakes and hugs. There was laughter, a few tears and impromptu games as the national players took the field to connect with the pupils not just as stars, but as sisters, mentors and role models.

Among them was 22-year-old Byrhandrè Dolf from Kariega, who joined the national team in 2022. Reflecting on her journey, Dolf said she once had no matches to play at school and had to find opportunities outside the classroom.

“It was a dream come true when I was selected to be part of the team,” she said. “In 2023, I played my first Test match against Canada. I was on the field for only seven minutes, but for me it was like, tho, finally man. I still pinch myself sometimes.”

This weekend, Dolf faces Canada once again, but this time, in front of her home crowd. “My family will be watching me in the green and gold for the first time. I’m excited and nervous, but the nerves won’t get to me. The spirit of sisterhood in our team is so strong, and that bond keeps us going.”

For teammate Sanelisiwe Charlie, the visit to Ndzondelelo was more than just a stop on the itinerary – it was a homecoming. A former pupil of the school and a native of Joe Slovo, Charlie was visibly emotional as she returned to the very classrooms and fields where her dream began.

“It really feels good to be here, because the purpose is bigger than me,” she said. “I know I represent something these girls never thought possible for them. Seeing someone who looks like them, who walked these same corridors – it means they can do it too.”

Breaking away from the field for a moment, Charlie visited some of her old classrooms, receiving hugs from her former teachers and excited pupils. “Our teachers play such an important role in our lives,” she said. “They really help us believe in ourselves, no matter what circumstances we come from.”

Those circumstances were not easy. Her mother, Lulama Charlie, recounted the long walks Sanelisiwe made from Joe Slovo to Zwide – nearly 15km – to attend school. “After their father died, it was hard. But I’m so proud of how far God has taken her,” Lulama said, emotion in her voice.

She added that her faith in God and constant prayer are what she has always offered her children, in place of material wealth. “Sanelisiwe is generous, she takes care of the family. Her siblings aren’t employed yet, but she really fills that gap.”

As she spoke, several players stopped mid-activity just to greet and hug Lulama, a quiet acknowledgement of the foundation she laid.

“She had an injury recently,” Lulama added softly, “but I hold her up in prayer. My little last-born baby. God is doing marvellous work through her.”

With amagwijo still echoing through the halls of Ndzondelelo, the Springbok Women’s visit was more than a community event – it was a living lesson in courage, community and the power of coming home. DM