This past weekend, the Leopards Women Rugby team gathered to celebrate a season filled with hard-hitting moments, outstanding performances, and undeniable growth at their annual Prize Giving ceremony. With players, coaches, and families in attendance, the event recognised the extraordinary dedication, passion, and skill demonstrated by the team throughout the year.
The awards
The night kicked off with excitement as awards were handed out for various achievements. Here’s a rundown of the evening’s top honours:
Try of the Year: Baby Plaatjies thrilled the crowd with her unforgettable try, sealing her place as the top scorer in a standout moment that left fans on their feet.
Biggest hit of the Year: Kat Pomane was honoured for delivering the hardest tackle of the season, a moment that showcased her immense power and intensity on the field.
Best Progress: KB Miggels was awarded for her exceptional improvement, demonstrating remarkable growth in both her technical abilities and confidence throughout the season.
Newcomer of the Year: Thando Mphetye made an instant impact in her debut season, catching the eye with her determination and skill, earning her the coveted newcomer award.
Most Dedicated Player: Kamo Letsappa’s relentless work ethic and unwavering commitment to the team saw her recognised as the most dedicated player, a true testament to her love for the game.
Most Tries: Scoring an impressive 7 tries this season, Varana van Heerden was a force to be reckoned with in attack, taking home the award for the most tries.
Most Points: Once again, Varana van Heerden’s all-around performance shone through as she racked up 66 points, securing her place as the team’s top points scorer.
Forward Player of the Year: Benathi Nganga dominated the frontlines, showing immense strength and tactical skill, making her a deserving winner of the Forward Player of the Year award.
Back Player of the Year: Mpho Tsima, with her speed and agility, was awarded Back Player of the Year for her precision and dynamism in the backline.
Players' Player of the Year: Lizzy Diseko, admired by her peers for her leadership and team spirit, was honored as the Players' Player of the Year—a true reflection of her influence on and off the field.
Player of the Year: The night’s most prestigious award went to Monique Reens, affectionately known as “Kwagga,” who has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. Her standout performances, leadership, and consistency earned her the title of Player of the Year, a well-deserved recognition of her relentless efforts and contributions to the team’s success.
A night to remember
The Leopards Women Rugby Prize Giving was a night to remember, celebrating the heart, hustle, and hard work of the players who left it all on the field this season. With such immense talent and dedication on display, the future looks incredibly bright for this powerhouse team.
Here’s to the Leopards Women Rugby team for an incredible 2024 season, and we can’t wait to see what the next year holds!
Some photos from the prestigious evening
Carien Broodryk - Part 3
Drikus and Carien wrap up their session by discussing and sharing a few closing thoughts:
Various challenges that women's rugby are currently facing
Which clubs make up the Leopards Women's Team
The importance of media coverage for women's rugby specifically
How do the ladies balance their work, studies, and everyday lives all whilst playing rugby
Carien Broodryk - Part 2
In part two of their conversation, Drikus and Carien touched on the following points:
The importance of conditioning and fitness in women's rugby
How the women stay positive and motivated throughout the season
How the public can get involved
The potential of women's rugby in the North West region
The challenges concerning publicity and exposure, especially in women's rugby
Carien Broodryk - Part 1
Drikus Viljoen sat down with Carien Broodryk, the Vice President of the Leopards Women Rugby at their annual prize giving. In this first part of three video clips, these two rugby enthusiasts talk about the following:
Carien's history and how she got involved with women's rugby
Her love for the game, its players, and (believe it or not) the admin behind a rugby club
Her dream about involving other women in rugby clubs
The goal for the Leopards Women Rugby