SA Rugby’s new Women Coaches’ Transitioning Workshop, currently underway in the Western Cape, aims to advance female rugby coaching and promote gender parity at the elite level in South Africa.
The coaching group includes former Springbok Women players, franchise coaches, and university rugby coaches. The workshop, aligned with SA Rugby’s “Destination 2027” strategy, is a formal prerequisite for nomination to the World Rugby Level 3 Course.
Twenty-four elite coaches from across South Africa’s provincial unions, all of whom are accredited World Rugby Level 2 coaches, will attend the workshop. The rigorous five-day programme includes technical sessions on Functional Role Analysis (FRA), Contemporary Law with Aimee Barrett-Theron, and resilience training.
The former national players who will form part of the workshop are Vuyolwethu Vazi, Nosipho Poswa, Natasha Hofmeester, Charmaine Kayser, Mathrin Simmers, Namhla Siyolo, Zolisa Noxeke, Karthy Dludla, and Rumandi Potgieter.
One such person is head of Women’s Rugby at the University of Johannesburg, Lesego Malebadi, who says the work has been enlightening on a personal level.
“The event has been incredibly informative and empowering so far. It has really helped to upskill us as coaches and has given me a clear sense of where I am in my coaching journey. It’s also been a valuable opportunity for self-reflection, understanding my strengths, identifying areas for growth, and recognising the level of work required to reach the next level.
Siyolo, who has had a pioneering career in women’s rugby after stepping onto the big stage as one of the first women to don the national team jersey, is now a successful coach at Madibaz Ladies.
“It means the world to me to be included as one of the Springbok (Women’s) legends, because I have been wanting for five years to do my Level 3.”
Springbok Women Legend, Namhla Siyolo
“It has been amazing and also hard work, but I am ready to take all the information given and take it back to my club, Madibaz Ladies, and execute and implement everything.”
Meanwhile, Aneesah Adams is also in attendance, and the Head Coach of Women’s Rugby at Maties spoke about how enlightening she found the workshop.
“It’s incredibly humbling. I didn’t come through the traditional rugby pathway. I actually never played contact rugby, only touch rugby, so to be recognised within the SA Rugby Coaching Pathways programme means a lot. It affirms that coaching is about more than just your playing history; it’s about your leadership, your growth mindset, and your impact. For me, it’s recognition of the work being done in women’s rugby and a reminder that there’s space in this game for different journeys.”
Thirteen years’ worth of performance data collected showed that only two women’s coaches, Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Zenay Jordaan, had achieved full Level 3 accreditation through SA Rugby as of 2025.
All three coaches are hopeful that the workshop will only help them as they endeavour to grow in their respective roles.
“I am hoping this coaching programme will really strengthen my confidence and enhance my overall ability as a coach. I also want it to help me measure myself against my key focus areas, so I can clearly see where I’m growing and where I need to improve.
University of Johannesburg Head of Women’s Rugby, Lesego Malebadi
“Ultimately, I want to become more effective in my role and continue increasing my impact in the job that I do”, said Malebadi.
Siyolo is hopeful of gaining significant knowledge, but also hopes to impart her skills to her peers this week.
“I am hoping to learn everything and add to what I already know, while I also hope the other coaches can learn something from me as well. It will help me improve because it’s a different level and it requires upskilling and level change.”
Adams says she is targeting some personal growth and how she can also improve her player management in a bid to continue her success as a coach.
“I want it to stretch me. Growth happens when you’re slightly uncomfortable. Get comfortable in the uncomfortable is what we always tell our players,” says Adams.
“I’m hoping to refine my technical knowledge, sharpen my tactical awareness, and strengthen my ability to develop players holistically, not just as athletes, but as people. Ultimately, I want to become more intentional and more effective in how I lead.”
Maties Head of Women’s Rugby, Aneesah Adams
Being in a room of so many accomplished women is not a common occurrence, as all three women pointed out what it means to be surrounded by so many inspiring coaching counterparts.
Malebadi says learning from women who have walked the same road is something she doesn’t take for granted.
“It means a lot to be surrounded by incredible women who are pioneers in their own right and who have paved the way for me to be here. These are women who are fighting the same fight, pushing the same limits, and sharing the same aspirations to grow and improve the women’s game. Being in a space with such like-minded, driven individuals is truly special. It motivates me to keep pushing, to keep learning, and to continue contributing to the growth of women’s rugby with purpose and passion.”
Siyolo echoed those sentiments and said a workshop like this has been a long-time dream for her, as she hopes to continue making a positive contribution to women’s rugby.
“I have been longing for this, to see women leading other women, to see women empowering other women. It is amazing, and it motivates me as well to go back to my club and empower other females to take charge and lead.”
Adams expressed joy at being part of a group of female coaches who are shaping the future of coaching in South Africa.
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“It’s powerful. To be in a space filled with women who are passionate, competent, and ambitious about rugby is incredibly motivating. It reminds me that we are part of something bigger than ourselves; we’re shaping the future of the women’s game in South Africa. That shared purpose creates energy and responsibility. It pushes me to raise my standards.”
Main Photo Caption: Legends like Namhla Siyolo and Lesego Malebadi join leaders like Aneesah Adams in a group of 24 provincial coaches as SA Rugby’s Women Coaches’ Transitioning Workshop advances gender parity and elite coaching standards in the Western Cape. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Namhla Siyolo had a pioneering career in women’s rugby, and now steps onto the big stage as a successful coach at Madibaz Ladies.
Photo 3 Caption: University of Johannesburg Head of Women’s Rugby Lesego Malebadi wants to become more effective in her role, continueing increasing impact in the job that she does.
Photo 4 Caption: Maties Head of Women’s Rugby Aneesah Adams wants to refine her technical knowledge and sharpen her tactical awareness.
