From tag rugby to the big stage: This is Patience’s dream!

“My first time running with a rugby ball was at Loftus; it was a game of tag rugby back in 2015,” and ten years later, Patience Mokone is one step closer to realising a dream that began all those years ago.

The 23-year-old winger says she has always believed that she would become a Springbok, and for her, it was always a matter of where she would get that nod, either in the SVNS circuit or in the XV’s game.

It is this unwavering belief that has kept her chasing this dream since her teenage years, strongly motivated by the community she comes from.

“I always had this belief that I can become a Springbok, and this call up to be a part of this camp is exciting for me because it feels like a step closer to me realising this dream and goal I have been chasing for the last ten years,”

“I am from Soshanguve, a rough environment to grow up in. We do not see a lot of rugby players or role models coming out of my hood, and those two things have been my constant motivation because I believe that no one is limited by the environment they come from.”

Mokone adds: “I may be surrounded by negativity or bad news headlines about my neighborhood, but I can work hard and be an example of what is possible for the rest of the talent that is unseen from my streets.

"If I can make it to the Daisies and get the opportunity to be seen as worthy of a Springbok camp, I am sure I can help motivate the next child from Sosha to chase their dream, and that for me is an achievement.”

A CELEBRATION OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY

The Harlequins Rugby Club alumni is a celebration of grassroots rugby and accessibility to the game for young girls. In her short but bright professional career, she boasts magnificent numbers from a statistical perspective, featuring in 25 games for the two-time champions, 23 of which were starts.

Her 26 tries across the league make her a feared and respected opponent.

She credits her success to her family, teammates and coaches, who have all helped nurture her into the player she is becoming.

“My family has been an amazing support structure. They have always backed my choice of sport, and they have been supporting me throughout. When we are playing home games, they always make time to come watch.

"I consider myself lucky to be playing alongside some of the best players South Africa has playing rugby; they have raised the level at the Daisies, and this is how I have been able to become better,”

“I have also been very fortunate to have some amazing coaches who have mentored and pushed me to be the best version of myself. Their knowledge of the game has made a better athlete, so this is just as much of their moment as is mine,” she concludes.