\n CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 17, 2021\/APO Group\/ —
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Cherishing the honour of being appointed Africa\u2019s first Youth Unstoppable <\/strong>is only part of the dream that could become a reality and be the basis for a real breakthrough for young girls that play rugby.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Sajini is one of seven Youth Unstoppables who have been unveiled by World Rugby and Mastercard for their inspirational stories that highlight why the women\u2019s game is the ultimate team sport \u2013 on and off the pitch.<\/p>\n Zikhona Sajini<\/strong> hopes that girls in Africa will be motivated by what she has achieved: To participate in sport, but especially rugby, and thereby to increase the number of women taking part in rugby in particular and sport in general.<\/p>\n Still under 16 herself at the time, Zikhona says it was a challenge to start an Under 16 team at the Busy Bees in the Western Cape. It was a breakthrough for rugby, not only in the Western Cape but in South Africa, and probably also a first in Africa.<\/p>\n And her message to those who want to emulate her success is simple: Just follow her example.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was very hard initially to start an under 16 team. However, it is never too late to start something that you like and want.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to play sport but there are no people playing it, be the one who starts that team.<\/p>\n \u201cGo out and approach people. There are people out there who also want to play, but they don’t have the confidence to start a team.<\/p>\n \u201cDo not look at other girls to see what they are doing, do what makes YOU happy. Everyone has different skills and talents.\u201d<\/p>\n Zikhona says she simply had to be confident in what she was doing and to communicate with people. \u201cI had to have the courage to go into the streets and talk to girls to join the Busy Bees club\u2019s under 16s. Most of them had not played rugby before.<\/p>\n \u201cBut the rewards are there. Today, the under 16 section is growing in numbers, and the girls that I started the under 16 team with, are now playing for Busy Bees seniors. And the initial hard work has provided major benefits to me and those who joined the first under 16s.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the ultimate character-building sport, playing rugby builds self-confidence and self-respect. It fosters courage, fitness, team effort and togetherness, bringing together girls from all backgrounds.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI hope to see girls in Africa out there who are playing rugby at an early age so that they can grow into the sport. By starting young, they will have an advantage with better skills and understanding the game\u2019s ethos \u2013 and some of them could perhaps one day play for their countries.\u201d<\/p>\n Message from Rugby Africa\u2019s Unstoppable, Christel Janet Kotze <\/strong>– Zikhona, huge\u00a0congratulations\u00a0with being selected as Africa\u2019s Youth Unstoppable! Hearing and following your story inspired me to keep doing what we love most, being involved in rugby in some shape of form.\u00a0I know you\u2019ll continue to inspire the next generation by simply doing what you do best.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n