Namibia’s Kotze named among 12 leading women in African Rugby
Absolute Rugby Producer on NBC and local coach, Christel Janet Kotze managed to make the cut among 12 leading women in rugby on the African continent as Rugby Africa unveiled its list of 12 #Unstoppables who have been a beacon of inspiration to women in the game on Monday.
A total of 60 women from 19 countries impressed the judges, but in the end only 12 dynamic women made it onto Rugby Africa’s list of #Unstoppables.
Kotze upon being selected as a game changer said the following on her social media page, “ I’m so honoured to be one of Rugby Africa’s first Unstoppables.”
“Together we can grow the women’s game in Africa! At the end of the day, it’s simple, join rugby and become UNSTOPPABLE!,” Kotze said
Rugby Africa President, Mr Khaled Babbou, was excited to launch their #Unstoppables campaign and said, “We want to do something very impactful and sustainable for all women in rugby on the continent to get players, fans and sponsors interested in the game.
“Our goal is to uplift the ‘Unstoppables’ and the women in rugby beyond this campaign. We have a long-term vision and commitment.
“Africa is a big rugby market as the latest Nielsen report shows, conducted by World Rugby, and one of the fastest growing markets in the world.
“It is such an untapped market in terms of athletic potential, growth opportunities and market penetration – especially for the women. As the individual stories of the campaign show, there are really strong women coming out of Africa.”
The full list of the Rugby Africa #Unstoppables is as follows:
• Christel Janet Kotze (Namibia) – Coach and TV producer
• Abigail Kawonza (Zimbabwe) – Board member, match official coach and referee
• Babalwa Latsha (South Africa) – Springbok Women’s and international player
• Donatienne Rasoampamonjy (Madagascar) – Coach, coach trainer and club founder
• Fatma El-Kindiy (Botswana) – Communications and project manager
• Ella Paule Guei (Côte d’Ivoire) – Referee
• Fatou Camara Sene (Senegal) – Administrator and communications manager
• Rafatu Inusah (Ghana) – Board member and educator
• Peris Mukoko (Kenya) – Board member, educator and match official
• Samiya Ayikoru (Uganda) – International player
• Sanaa Barakat (Egypt) – Player
• Wejdane Limame (Tunisia) – Citing commissioner and club president.