Marianne Merten
For the women of Silvertree Rugby Football Club in Mitchells Plain on the Cape Flats playing rugby is nothing new they have been at the game since 1954.
Since the club’s inception in the historic District Six almost 50 years ago, women have played rugby at fundraising games. Today the mother of one of the club’s first team players is still known for her field skills, although she now remains on the sidelines as a regular spectator.
Although women’s rugby was officially launched only a couple of weeks ago to coincide with National Women’s Day, the experience at Silvertree Rugby Club has already paid off. One woman has been selected for the Stormers; two others qualified for the provincial side.
“I used to come to the field with my father,” said Amiena Harris (18), who joined the club’s women’s side at the start of the current season and now represents Western Province.
Sixteen women started off the season, but two were injured and three others dropped out. For this reason the Silvertree players join their counterparts of the Goodwood Gazelles to play friendlies.
Club president William Dyers, whose two teenaged grand- daughters also play, admits the dedication and passion of the women players initially caught him off-guard.
“They surprised me with their discipline and their very, very good ideas [on game strategy]. They tackle better than some of our guys. Their kicking is not so good, but when it comes to scrums, they’re very good.”
Despite pouring rain Ustaney Japhta (15) arrived for the regular Tuesday night practice . “It’s fun,” she beams.
Harris agrees. “Yes, the guys take us serious. We do all the things the guys do. It’s fun when we start playing. It’s only the injuries that bother me,” the petite teenager shrugs.