Nombuyekezo Mdliki is a rising star in women’s rugby and is currently searching for a sponsors as she makes waves in the sport. The prop made her debut for the Springbok Women side during the WXV2 tournament in Cape Town in October last year.
She has worked her way up from the junior Bok women’s team and is now keen to cement her place in the side as the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup looms.
The rugby showpiece will be taking place later this year in England and Mdliki is hoping she will be joining her team mates come 22 August 2025. Speaking ahead of her debut last year Bok Women’s coach Swys de Bruin spoke of Mdliki with much excitement.
“She was part of that junior squad who played against Zimbabwe in 2022, and trained with us for the last two months.”
Springbok Women’s Head Coach, Swys de Bruin
“That group already delivered Vainah Ubisi, Byrhandrè Dolf, Mary Zulu and Sinelitha Noxexe to the senior team. It bodes well for the future and I am sure Nombuyekezo will show why the coaches have so much faith in her.”
Mdliki shared with gsport that it was teacher who got her playing the sport and she then went on to be part of the Fort Hare’s rugby programme and as they say the rest is history. She currently plays for her provincial rugby for Boarder Ladies. She is now hoping to finally land some financial backing as she is currently without a sponsor.
How did your career in rugby begin?
“I was forced by one of my high school teachers to play.”
What did it mean to you to make your Springbok Women’s debut last year?
“Making my Springbok Women debut last year was an absolute dream come true! It was a moment I had worked towards for years, and to finally wear the green and gold jersey was an incredible honour.”
Now that you are in the national team fold, how to do you hope to become a regular player for the Springbok Women?
“My immediate goals are to absorb as much as I can from the coaches, senior players, and the team’s culture. I want to develop a deeper understanding of the team’s playing style, strategies, and expectations.”
As a young woman in rugby, how have you found the process of trying to acquire sponsorship?
“Even though women’s rugby is becoming more and more popular, there is still a big support and sponsorship imbalance. It is more difficult for female athletes to find support since many potential sponsors give preference to men’s sport.”
How much would it help you as a player to have sponsors?
“Having a sponsor would offer inspiration and emotional support. It would increase my confidence and motivation to succeed to know that someone thinks highly of me and my skills.”
What do you feel is some of the key things you along with other sportswomen need to do in order attract companies to sponsor you?
“As a young athlete, I think there are a few essential aspects that can improve our prospects of getting sponsorship. Professional online presence so employers can more easily locate and evaluate us. When we have a great website and social media profiles that highlight our accomplishments, abilities, and personalities (it can work in our favour).
“We also need to be clear on our goals and vision. As well as outlining our present and future goals, both on and off the pitch. That will show our determination, drive, and success potential. Unique value proposition by emphasising our unique promoting points, such as our abilities, character, or community service, helps companies see how supporting us will enhance their brand.”
The Sponsorship of women’s sport has improved in recent years but what more do you feel can be done to ensure that money is spent on sponsoring sports women?
“Although there have been notable advancements in women’s sport sponsorship, more work remains until women’s sports are on level with men’s sports. I think the following actions can be made to guarantee that more funds are allocated to supporting female athletes.
“Increased internet and television coverage of women’s sports can draw in new sponsors, viewers, and sources of income. It is important to encourage sponsors to develop focused advertising strategies that highlight the distinctive qualities and experiences of female athletes,” says Mdliki.
“Organisations ought to launch targeted campaigns and programs aimed at assisting female athletes and women’s sports. Governments as well as companies can fund grassroots initiatives, top athlete development, and the infrastructure of women’s sports. The idea that women’s sports are truly less important or marketable must be eliminated.”
What is your advice to young sportswomen acquiring a sponsors?
“Create a professional website and social media accounts to set up a strong online presence. You need to create a personal brand with your own identity, ideas, goals, and achievements.
What are you hoping to achieve in your rugby career in 2025?
“My goal is to build myself as a reliable player and solidify my spot on the national squad. Make myself a consistent player and join the team for the 2025 World Cup.”
Main Photo Caption: Nombuyekezo Mdliki is a rising star in women’s rugby and is currently searching for a sponsors as she makes waves in the sport. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: The prop made her debut for the Springbok Women side during the WXV2 tournament in Cape Town in October last year.
Photo 3 Caption: She has worked her way up from the junior Bok women’s team, and is now keen to cement her place in the side as the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup looms.
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