Kamogelo Letsapa Aims for National Team Spotlight
Kamogelo Letsapa, a talented and versatile player from Mmabatho Rugby Club, hails from Mantsie Village in Zeerust. Her rugby journey began in 2020 when she was recruited by coach Fana Mkhwanazi, marking the start of a promising career in the sport. Since then, she has showcased her abilities on the field, earning a place in the North West provincial team. With a strong passion for rugby and a clear vision for her future, Kamogelo aspires to represent the national women’s team, and continue making her mark at the highest level of the game.
In this conversation, we get to know more about her.
Hi Kamogelo, please tell us about yourself and where you come from?
I'm Kamogelo Letsapa,I'm from a small village in Zeerust called Mantsie.
How did you get started in rugby?
I started rugby in 2020 when I got into university. I was recruited by Coach Fana Mkhwanazi.
What position(s) do you play?
I play tight prop,loose prop,hooker and no 8.
Which skills do you feel most confident in during matches?
I love bouncing and punching hard when I have the ball. Also tackling hard.
Who has influenced your development the most?
I have two people who really believed in me and has influence in my development,whom are Coach Fana Mkhwanazi from Mmabatho Rugby Club and Coach Franklin Jackson from Leopards women rugby.
How do you prepare mentally before a game and why is it important to prepare?
Truly speaking before I go to a game I pray first, it's important because God comes before anything else. Game day you must arrive early to the venue, kit up and get mentally ready.
It is important because it prepares you for how you are going to play. It reduces anxiety, boost your confidence in your skill preparation.
What motivates you to keep improving?
My goal of seeing myself playing for Springbok and personal growth as an individual really keeps me going. Also the love I have for this sport,I just wanna keep on playing it. It helps me mentally because it is my coping mechanism.
How do you deal with setbacks, losses or poor performance?
I look at how as a team we performed also myself then see where we can improve also how I can perform better in the next game. Every loss and win makes you perform better for next time.
What does a typical day of eating look like for you?
Personally I make sure my diet is on point. I know I have to have strength , stamina and power. So I make sure I eat meat,and I have my morvite,oats and peanut butter. Then drink lots of water. Not forgetting to gym.
How do you balance rugby with school/work/life?
When it comes to sports and being a student,we all know school comes first. So I made sure my academics are on point and also have time to practice. Work wise it can be hard because of time so it's all about what comes first. My life is rugby for real. If I'm not on the field,I'm by the gym getting ready or watching rugby games. I'm surrounded by people who loves the sport so it's never a boring time.
What makes a good teammate in your opinion?
A good teammate is someone who believes in you and tells you how to be better. A person who is reliable and bring positive vibes.
What has been your best performance and why?
My best performance was getting into the Provincial team. That has been the best thing ever. It showed me that I can go far if I can improve my performance.
How do you measure your own performance?
I've had my ups and downs in performing but practicing hard and preparing has helped me a lot.
What are your short term and long term rugby goals?
To be the best in playing my position and improving my skills and performance. Living up to my goals and not giving up.
Picture: Supplied