KNYSNA NEWS - When there was no girls rugby team at her school, Aqhama Siko (Grade 10) lined up against the boys. Years later, that determination has earned her selection to the South African Schools Girls U18 squad.
The Percy Mdala High School learner, who plays hooker, ran out for her first match in green and gold over the weekend against the SA Schools A side and rewarded the selectors' faith with an assured performance.
Siko said the moment she received the call from the selectors she realised her dream had become a reality and it was simply overwhelming.
"I froze for a few seconds, then I screamed and cried at the same time. The first person I called was my grandmother. She started crying on the phone and just kept saying, 'Thank you, God'.
Then I told my coach, and he said, 'I told you, you would make the team'. Looking back, I'm very glad I didn't give up on rugby after my ankle injury where I couldn't even walk. This makes it all worth it," Siko told the Knysna-Plett Herald in an exclusive interview.
Breaking barriers
Her rugby journey began at Thembelisha Primary School under the guidance of KILT coach, former Titans coach and now an SWD Rugby referee, Lwando Qoso, through the KILT After-School Sports Programme.
She then represented the SWD Girls U16 team at the FNB Youth Week in Johannesburg in 2024 before continuing her journey through Barbarians Rugby Development and Percy Mdala High School's In the Kilt Programme, where she has flourished both as a player and a young leader. For the past two years, Aqhama has also led the KILT U16/U17 girls rugby team as captain.
Along the way, she has been supported by dedicated coaches, mentors, parents and teammates all of whom have played an important role in shaping her into the player and leader she is today.
Qoso said those early years revealed the qualities that would eventually carry Siko onto the national stage.
"There was a stage when Aqhama was 12 years old and the only girl playing rugby with the boys. She never complained and never asked for special treatment.
That period showed me three things about her resilience, because she kept turning up with confidence and she backed herself in contact. That's how she earned respect, because the boys started picking her first. She learned early that if you want a seat at the table, you have to earn it."
Qoso believes talent alone has never defined Siko.
"There are a lot of talented youngsters. What separates Aqhama is her profession-alism. She's the first to arrive at training and the last to leave. She asks about the rugby laws and attends rugby holiday clinics. What impressed me the most is that she didn't wait for an opportunity; she created one."
Inspiring a generation
Qoso believes Siko's selection extends far beyond one player's success.
"In the broader scheme of things, this is massive for Knysna. For years our girls have watched rugby, but never saw a pathway for themselves. Aqhama changes that. She's proof that a girl from Knysna can wear provincial colours.
My hope is that schools start proper girls' teams, clubs invest in girls' coaches and fixtures and then the community must come out to support them. If we get one girl through, we'll get 10 more trying next year. That's the real win," Qoso said.
Praise from principal
Percy Mdala High School principal Nozuko Tshaka said Siko's selection was a proud moment for the entire school and community.
"Aqhama is a great inspiration to children in our township because she has shown what is possible when you apply your mind to your dreams. Words cannot describe how proud our school is of Aqhama's achievement.
She went against all odds and made it happen. Her success shows that determination, discipline and hard work can open doors, no matter where you come from," Tshaka said.
A setback, not the end
Although she has always dreamed of representing South Africa, Siko admitted she never believed it could happen while she was still at school.
"I thought playing for South Africa was only for grown-ups. When I got my first SWD call-up, I realised the dream was possible. Now I'm in the SA Schools Girls squad, I can see myself becoming a Springbok one day. But I'm taking it step by step."
Whether in the scrum, at the line-out or carrying the ball into contact, Siko says she thrives under pressure.
"I like being in the middle of the fight. I know I have the power to push in the scrum and steal the ball for my team and love the pressure of throwing into the line-out because if I get it right, the whole team moves forward."
On thing is certain: the sky is the limit for this talented player. Every scrum and training session she packed down with the boys only helped shape the player she is today and, in the process, gave countless girls in Knysna permission to dream a little bigger.
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