Springbok Women lock's plan for World Cup year

02/18/2025 05:46 AM

SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok and Bulls Daisies utility forward Lerato Makua opens about her intense plan for the World Cup year.

Makua sustained an injury that kept her out of the game for more than 73 weeks, a period in which she had to wrestle with the idea of never being able to return and that rugby was done.

Fortunately, the 25-year-old's worst nightmare and fears did not get the better of her as she fought her way through rehab, achieving her goal of returning to play at the beginning of a very important year for women's rugby.

The young lock is delighted to be back, as she has regained full fitness that has earned her first call back into the national setup in more than 16 months.

Makua underwent knee surgery, and the Mamelodi East Ext 5 native revealed her family has been her source of inspiration.

The Stanza Rugby Club alumni added: "I am so glad to be back, to be called up into the Springboks and have this opportunity to try and pick up where I left.

"I know the hard work will continue, and that is a challenge I am looking forward to because I now know I can deal with a lot as long as I have the support.

"I am proud of myself, the people who have worked so hard to help me get back on my feet. They were so important in keeping me going. Our team doctor, Doc Moshe and my family were my biggest support. I owe them a lot of gratitude.

She concluded: "Perhaps the coming months are going to be my hardest, but I believe I will be more than fine as long as I can stay mentally fit and not think about my knee. I am so glad I never gave up."

Lerato is currently with the Springbok Women assembled in Stellenbosch for camp four of the year, as the national team journeys towards the 2025 World Cup.

Post camp, the Daisies lock will re-join her provincial team as she works towards her return to competitive rugby in the domestic competition.