After a career-ending injury, former Springbok Namhla Siyolo has built a coaching pathway that now includes selection for SA Rugby’s Level 3 programme.
Gqeberha, South Africa (13 April 2026) – For former Springbok Namhla Siyolo, the next chapter of her rugby journey is already taking shape, and it’s happening on the sidelines.
Now firmly established as a rising coach, Siyolo has been selected for SA Rugby’s prestigious Level 3 coaching programme, a key step in developing top-tier coaching talent ahead of the 2027 Women’s Rugby World Cup. For her, it’s a milestone that reflects years of steady growth and commitment to the game.
“It is the highlight of my coaching career so far. It’s not easy to be nominated. I’m going to grab it with both hands.”
The five-day programme focuses on advanced coaching principles, including game analysis, law application, and resilience. These are all tools Siyolo hopes will sharpen her already impressive coaching profile. But long before she stepped into coaching courses and technical sessions, her journey took an unexpected turn.
Back in 2014, Siyolo was still chasing her place at the Rugby World Cup in France when a serious knee injury changed everything. After multiple surgeries and the likelihood of another, she was forced to accept that her playing days were over.
Instead of stepping away from rugby, she leaned into it.
Driven by her passion for the sport, Siyolo moved straight into coaching, starting at school level in Gqeberha before making her way into club and provincial structures. What began as a way to stay connected to the game quickly turned into something more purposeful.
“Because of my love for the game and the experience I had gained I decided to give back to the community.”
Her coaching journey gathered momentum as she worked with youth teams at the provincial level, guiding under-16, under-18 and under-20 players while earning her Level 1 and Level 2 coaching qualifications. From there, she progressed into the senior setup, eventually stepping into the role of head coach after several seasons as an assistant.
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Today, Siyolo continues to balance roles across school, club and university rugby, including her work with the Madibaz women’s team.
“When coaching women, you take on many roles. You become a mother, friend, sister and role model.”
Looking ahead, she has her sights set on coaching at the highest level and ultimately leading a South African women’s team on the global stage.
“I believe that is my destiny.”
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