Asisipho Plaatjies: From Zwide to the World Stage
Springbok Women’s Sevens captain reflects on her journey, the power of education and her hopes for the future.
Asisipho Plaatjies is a name that’s become synonymous with determination, versatility and resilience in South African women’s rugby. From her early days in Port Elizabeth to captaining the national team at the Commonwealth Games and earning her degree, her story is one of perseverance, passion and purpose, both on and off the field.
Rooted in the Eastern Cape
“I’m from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, a coastal city with a rich sporting culture,” says Asisipho. “I grew up in a close-knit family that always encouraged discipline, education and chasing your goals.”
Sport played a central role in her upbringing. Initially excelling in netball and representing Eastern Province U19, Asisipho’s rugby journey began in 2013 after financial constraints forced her to step away from netball. It was then that former Springbok Women players Phumeza Gadu and Namhla Siyolo invited her to try out rugby with KWARU Rugby Club in Zwide.
“I joined the club and just six months into training, I was selected for the Eastern Province U18 Sevens team,” she recalls. “My quick feet and speed from netball helped me transition naturally. That’s where my love for rugby began and it’s grown stronger ever since.”
A Dream Begins to Take Shape
The turning point came in 2017 during the Club Champs in Cape Town, where Asisipho’s team clinched the title and she was named Backline Player of the Tournament.
“That’s when I realised this wasn’t just a passion, I wanted to live for rugby and pursue it fully.”
She made her Springbok Women debut in 2022 and her leadership qualities quickly saw her named captain for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham that same year. “It was a proud and humbling moment,” she reflects. Another major milestone followed in 2023 when she represented South Africa at the Rugby World Cup.
Balancing Books and Boots
Plaatjies’ journey has also been marked by academic ambition. In 2019, she joined the University of Fort Hare after being spotted at a Heritage Day tournament.
“I first completed a Higher Certificate in Public Administration for Community Service, then moved on to a Bachelor of Administration,” she says. “It wasn’t easy balancing studies and rugby, especially in my final year. I was based in Stellenbosch for rugby while attending classes in the Eastern Cape.”
With support from her sister, she made the tough decision to pause her studies to focus on rugby. “I completed my first semester in 2023 and returned to finish my second semester in 2024. I’ve now graduated, something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Her graduation was made possible with support from the MyPlayers bursary programme. “NSFAS had stopped funding me and I couldn’t complete my final year. The MyPlayers bursary helped me settle my debt, re-register and finish my degree.”
Preparing for Life After Rugby
Education remains a cornerstone of Asisipho’s vision. She has now enrolled in an online Safety Management course through the support of MyPlayers.
“I want to pursue a career as a Safety Officer or Administrator, especially in mining or construction where female representation is still growing. This qualification is about preparing for the next chapter.”
Asisipho sees value in blending her administration background with a practical, high-demand field like safety, aiming to create impact in industries where safe and compliant workspaces are critical.
Staying Connected to Rugby
Though unsure about formal coaching, Asisipho is passionate about giving back.
“I want to mentor and support young athletes, especially helping them balance school and sport like I did,” she says. “Rugby has given me so much and I want to share that knowledge with the next generation.”
Her advice to aspiring young girls is simple yet powerful: “Believe in yourself and stay focused. It’s not always easy, but with discipline, time management and support, you can achieve great things, in sport and in life.”
Asisipho Plaatjies is more than just a rugby player — she’s a role model, a trailblazer and a testament to the power of resilience. Whether leading the Springbok Women on the field or earning her qualification in Public Administration, she continues to break barriers and inspire a new wave of athletes and scholars alike.
