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By Levy Masiteng
Two standout players from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Hlekane Baloyi and Asanda Mnyandu, have been selected for the national team in the South African Women’s U20 training squad, highlighting their rapid rise in the game ahead of the 2026 SA Rugby U20 Women’s Tournament in Johannesburg.
The duo will now be in line for selection to the Junior Springbok Women’s side.
Their inclusion came as the national setup begins shaping a squad for upcoming international fixtures, including matches against the USA U20s later this year.
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Baloyi and Mnyandu are not alone in flying the KwaZulu-Natal flag.
UKZN said nine other players in the Sharks U20 squad are also set to compete at the national tournament, including Zandile Ngcobo, Nosipho Mkhize, Hlekane Baloyi, Asanda Mnyandu, Charmaine Mogashoa and Bokamoso Mokali.
Additionally, Tshepiso Maseme, Samkelisiwe Motha, Yamkela Moiloa, Zanele Hlongwane, and Akhona Gumede are also in the list.
The 2026 SA Rugby U20 Women’s Tournament started on Monday and will end on Friday this week, at Alberton Rugby Club.
“This brings together the country’s top provincial talent in a high-performance environment designed to bridge the gap between school and senior rugby,” the university said.
Early results have already showcased the intensity of the competition, with dominant wins from Western Province, Eastern Province and Boland setting the tone.
“I hope to receive more opportunities to represent my country, province, and UKZN in the future,” Baloyi said.
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Beyond provincial pride, the tournament serves as a critical pathway into the national system.
Players like Baloyi have already benefitted from this structure, having been included in a national alignment camp alongside talents such as Julene Haas (Eastern Province), Tereske Kabuika (Boland), and Sesethu Dumke (Western Province), representing a wide spread of institutions and unions across the country.
“We are immensely proud of these young women for their achievements and for advancing the profile of women’s rugby. Their selection to one of the country’s most competitive youth rugby structures is a remarkable accomplishment and reflects the spirit of excellence that defines UKZN,” said UKZN Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Normah Zondo.
“We’re looking forward to playing together, enjoying the game, winning, and excelling in the sport,” Baloyi said.
