Two of Border women rugby’s longest serving players have decided to hang up their boots on a high.
Luleka Palafin, 35, and Nonkosi Sobandla, 30, received the perfect ending to their fruitful rugby careers when they helped Border claim a fourth consecutive women’s interprovincial title at the BCM Stadium last weekend.
“It is a huge blow to lose such experienced talent, but it was the perfect way for them to finish their playing careers,” said Border women’s coach, Malibongwe Kradu.
“They have been an integral part of the team for so many years and I wish them well for whatever they choose to do in the future.”
Both players played for Border for over a decade.
Palafin began her career with the team at the age of 23 in 2004, playing as a utility forward, primarily as a lock.
“It was a long road. I played so hard for many years for Border until 2013 when we finally won the title, and since then it has all paid off and we just kept winning,” said Palafin.
“I want to stay involved in Border rugby, even if it is just as a supporter, but my heart will always be here.”
Sobandla began playing for Border a year after Palafin, in 2005, just 19 years old at the time.
She played as a hooker throughout her career and she is proud that Border has now reached the level that they are at.
“Playing for Border rugby went so well. It meant a lot to me,” said Sobandla.
“I’ve always loved rugby and was here through all the ups and downs and stayed positive, and over the past few years everything just came together for the team.”
Border women’s rugby now faces the tough task of replacing the two experienced campaigners over the off-season.
However, there is a lot of constantly emerging talent in the region and it is now down to the coaches to find the right fit.
“Although it will be tough to replace them we are lucky in that we have a wealth of women’s rugby talent here in Border,” said Kradu.
Neither player knows yet what they will be doing in the future. However, their long service, dedication and success with the Border team should mean they will have a place there if they want it.
“I think they definitely still have a career here at Border rugby, if they want, whether it is assisting with players or coaching. They are still young and I believe they can stay within the Border family for a long time,” said Kradu.
Stalwarts call time on their career
Luleka Palafin, 35, and Nonkosi Sobandla, 30, received the perfect ending to their fruitful rugby careers when they helped Border claim a fourth consecutive women’s interprovincial title at the BCM Stadium last weekend.
“It is a huge blow to lose such experienced talent, but it was the perfect way for them to finish their playing careers,” said Border women’s coach, Malibongwe Kradu.
“They have been an integral part of the team for so many years and I wish them well for whatever they choose to do in the future.”
Both players played for Border for over a decade.
Palafin began her career with the team at the age of 23 in 2004, playing as a utility forward, primarily as a lock.
“It was a long road. I played so hard for many years for Border until 2013 when we finally won the title, and since then it has all paid off and we just kept winning,” said Palafin.
“I want to stay involved in Border rugby, even if it is just as a supporter, but my heart will always be here.”
Sobandla began playing for Border a year after Palafin, in 2005, just 19 years old at the time.
She played as a hooker throughout her career and she is proud that Border has now reached the level that they are at.
“Playing for Border rugby went so well. It meant a lot to me,” said Sobandla.
“I’ve always loved rugby and was here through all the ups and downs and stayed positive, and over the past few years everything just came together for the team.”
Border women’s rugby now faces the tough task of replacing the two experienced campaigners over the off-season.
However, there is a lot of constantly emerging talent in the region and it is now down to the coaches to find the right fit.
“Although it will be tough to replace them we are lucky in that we have a wealth of women’s rugby talent here in Border,” said Kradu.
Neither player knows yet what they will be doing in the future. However, their long service, dedication and success with the Border team should mean they will have a place there if they want it.
“I think they definitely still have a career here at Border rugby, if they want, whether it is assisting with players or coaching. They are still young and I believe they can stay within the Border family for a long time,” said Kradu.
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