EXCLUSIVE: Boland wing carries small town dreams to World Cup
Rugby has a remarkable way of lifting people, for players and fans, to euphoric highs, and no one knows that better than South Africans.
While the country has various socio-economic struggles, it is also a place of endless possibilities – and no one knows that better than Maceala Samboya.
Born in Malmesbury, a small town of approximately 36,000 inhabitants in the Western Cape province – and the birthplace of Pieter-Steph du Toit – the wing started playing rugby in 2023. Just a few months later, she made her Springbok Women’s Test debut on October 7 against Samoa in Hermanus.
She went on to feature against the Barbarians and Black Ferns XV, and is now on the verge of playing in her first World Cup.
“If it were up to me, I would’ve played rugby when I was 16, but that was not the plan God had for me.
“I still remember – it was on a sports day in Malmesbury two years ago when I decided I wanted to play rugby,” the Schoonspruit Secondary School alum told Rugby365.
“Malmesbury is a very small town where women’s rugby is not very common. People are more focused on the men’s club rugby, which is huge.
“I still remember asking my neighbour if I could borrow his boots because I wanted to run out for the Malmesbury Rugby Club.
“I’ve always been an athlete – playing netball and always loving being active on the field or in the park, playing with the boys.
“I remember playing half a game, and after that, the Boland coach approached me – and like they say, the rest is history.”
She added: ” She is extremely grateful for the rapid trajectory to the national colours.
“I feel very lucky that it happened so quickly and unplanned.
“I think it’s always the unexpected journey that you appreciate the most.”
Samboya explained that coming from a small town, she had to teach herself to believe in her talent. She revealed that having the support of her fellow Springbok Women has been tremendous.
“We have big, big names in the Springbok Women’s team.
“They are wonderful individuals and always make me feel welcome. They believe in me – and that teaches me to believe in myself.
“Sometimes when I reflect on where I’m standing, coming from a city like mine, my self-confidence is not always there. Playing at stadiums like Athlone or Cape Town Stadium, you can get overwhelmed – but they play a good role in my life. I’m so grateful.”
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The 26-year-old has an incredible love for her community, and it really is evident in her day-to-day life. She is currently a full-time coach at Swartland Sports Academy.
She also coaches high school kids and volunteers twice a week as a life skills coach in the community.
She revealed she wants to leave a legacy – just like World Cup-winning duo and her role models, Manie Libbok and Cheslin Kolbe.
“Libbok and Kolbe have always been my idols – not only for what they do on the field but also off it.
“The way they give back to their communities – that is always what I strive for.
“It’s not just about rugby; I want people to see me for what I do off the field as well. I think rugby is something that helped me to help others.”
Turning her attention to the upcoming World Cup, the Boland back said it would be a dream come true.
“The thought of going to the event once sounded really far-fetched, but now, with just a month to go, it feels like a reality.
“I think being selected will not only be massive for me but also for the young girls back home.
“It’s about the people who helped me on this journey – my friends, my parents, my coaches, and my family. It’s really something to look forward to.
“But even if I don’t go, I will still be thankful to God.”
The Springbok Women open their World Cup campaign against Brazil on August 24, followed by a match against Italy (August 31) and France (September 7).
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