6 September 2021 – Assistant coach of the Free State Cheetahs’ women’s team, Mpho Sekolisa has urged her fellow coaches to make full use of the coaching course provided by the #BetwayCares Skills Hub through Betway’s partnership with the Free State Rugby Union. 

Sekolisa, who was recently appointed as an Assistant Coach of the Cheetahs women’s team is amongst the 20 coaches attending the Betway-sponsored World Rugby Level 2 coaching course currently underway at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. 

The International Rugby Board accredited course is designed to equip aspiring professional rugby coaches with the foundation skills and knowledge of coaching, with an even stronger focus on equipping coaches with the ability to identify and develop talent at the amateur level. 

“The growth of women’s rugby is hindered by a number of factors that limit the growth of the game. Amongst these is the serious lack of qualified coaches who are able to identify and nurture talent as early as possible. It is uncommon for women to attend these courses and having such a course sponsored by Betway will trigger more coaches and players to take a keen interest in the women’s game,” said Sekolisa. 

The Free State Rugby Union currently has seven female rugby clubs affiliated to the union but the lack of women coaches is something that is currently being addressed through programme such as the #BetwayCares Skills Hub says the union’s General Manager, Selvyn Colby. 

“Having a programme such as the #BetwayCares Skills Hub comes at an opportune time for us as we have been working tirelessly in addressing the need for qualified coaches in women’s rugby. This however requires a lot of support and having caring brands such as Betway coming on board to assist us is a gesture that is greatly appreciated by the union,” said Colby. 

The #BetwayCares Skills Hub will continue over the next two days, with the Betway SA rugby ambassador, Victor Matfield and Cheetahs Assistant Coach, Melusi Mthethwa amongst the expected guest speakers.