'It wasn't easy': From Kulile Village to Rugby Africa success
EXCLUSIVE: The Springbok Women are bracing for one of their toughest seasons, and one player who is willing twice as hard is newly capped utility back Siphenathi Yeko.
The 27-year-old made her Springbok Women debut at the Rugby Africa Cup in Nairobi, Kenya, where South Africa secured a fifth consecutive title and sixth overall after victories over Madagascar, Uganda and hosts Kenya.
Yeko was one of nine debutants in the 28-player squad and made her mark, scoring five tries during the tournament while showcasing her versatility at both fullback and flyhalf.
“It wasn’t easy. But I’m happy we pulled through and that we came back with a victory,” Yeko told rugby365.
“I’m happy because I’ve been wanting to be there. And people back at home have been asking me, ‘Why are you not there yet?’
“And I think those questions are the only things that kept me going, kept me trying, kept me working hard, because I knew for a fact the reason they were asking is because they believe in me.”
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While her first taste of international rugby came from the bench against Madagascar, Yeko settled comfortably into the tournament.
“For the first game against Madagascar, I relaxed because I was on the bench.
“I started at fullback against Uganda and I didn’t panic because I’m very familiar with the position.
“However, against Kenya I started at flyhalf and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy.”
The switch to the No.10 jersey brought understandable nerves, but support from trusted mentors helped her embrace the challenge.
“I was nervous, I won’t lie.
“I texted coach Aschin Klein [the founder of Titans Academy and former Cheetahs head coach] and told him I really don’t know how to feel. I had mixed emotions.
“He told me there was a reason the coaches gave me the opportunity and that there was something they saw in me. He told me not to stress and just go out there and give it my all.”
Yeko credits Springbok Women star Jakkie Cilliers with helping her navigate the demands of flyhalf.
“As a flyhalf, you need to communicate, you need to make some calls, you need to do everything.
“So, I have a bit of a problem with that because I don’t like talking a lot. I just want to play.
“Before the Kenya game, I actually chatted to Cilliers and asked her what it’s like to be in charge.
“She told me, ‘Yeko, you must relax, man. We believe in you and you need to believe in yourself as well. We’re here to support you and you don’t have to think about this too much.
“‘Just go with the calls, stand tall, and we’re here – we’re going to pick you up.’ She helped me a lot.”
Although Yeko has not made the cut for the recent training squad for the USA series, Yeko is eager to work hard and earn another Springbok call-up this year.
“I need to work even harder because I still need to be there and I believe I will do it.”
Born in Kulile Village near King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape, Yeko comes from one of South Africa’s most passionate rugby regions.
“In the Eastern Cape, rugby is one thing everyone loves.
“We do have soccer and cricket, but rugby is number one.”
She has always had a love for sport. She did athletics, played soccer and cricket before falling in love with rugby.
“I started playing rugby in primary school and when I got to high school, I got an invite to play for Border.
“It was in 2016 that I played for them at the U18 Craven Week.
“I joined the Titans Academy in 2017 because I needed to be close to the scouts and the coaches.
“In 2024, I played for Boland and am currently at EP.”
The road to the Springbok Women squad has not always been easy, but Yeko says the unwavering support of her family – especially her mother – has helped her stay focused on her goals.
“I’m happy I have her because she supports me fully.
“I can’t complain.
“I’m so grateful for my family as well.”
