Introduced to rugby by a friend in Langa, Cape Town, Zikhona was initially put off playing by a fear that tackling would be too painful.

However, having noticed the team spirit that existed among the Busy Bees players who competed in her local community, she convinced herself to give the game a go.

At 15, Zikhona began playing for Isilimela High School and along with the friend who had first shown her rugby she recruited enough team-mates to set up Busy Bees’ first under-16s girls’ team.

Picked at second-row, Zikhona began studying tapes of South Africa international Nolusindiso Booi and went on to be selected for Western Province U18, becoming the team’s vice-captain.

Zikhona revelled in the camaraderie of her new team-mates, winning their trust and paying it back by helping to deliver food parcels to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She believes that rugby can be used as a tool for change in her local community, and is keen to pass on her love of the game to others in order to keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

Full story coming 11th October 2021