Elam Zonele’s story begins in a small village called Gxididi, in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, a place far removed from the bright lights of professional rugby, yet rich in resilience and untapped potential.
On 5 April 2025, Zonele picked up a rugby ball for the very first time. She had never played rugby before. What started as curiosity quickly turned into purpose. Her coach immediately saw something special in her raw potential.
Around the same time, Zonele discovered that rugby was not the brutal, negative sport people often claimed it to be. Instead, she became fascinated by its physicality, the courage it demands, and the incredible resilience of players who, even after the most terrifying injuries, rise again stronger than before.
Playing as a tight head prop (number 3), Elam embraced one of the toughest positions on the field. She also learned to confront society’s misconceptions about women in rugby, especially those perceived as too masculine.
People often forget that rugby women are still girls at heart, just with strong, powerful bodies and fearless minds.
Within just weeks of starting the game, Zonele was named player of the match. For someone so new to the sport, this moment became a turning point. It validated her belief, inspired and fueled her ambition. That feeling of achievement, recognition, and belonging kept her motivated. Her rise was rapid and relentless.
A few months later, she was selected to be part of the University Sports South Africa (USSA) squad, travelling to Pretoria in July. By October, she had earned selection to represent KwaZulu-Natal Under-20, playing for The Sharks, a prestigious provincial team. Just weeks after that, she received a call-up to a test block for the Senior Women’s Sharks team, a moment that confirmed she was no longer just a newcomer. Today, Zonele proudly stands as a member of the WXV Sharks team.
She plays rugby for her club, DUT Warriors and represents her province with The Sharks. She draws inspiration from Babalwa Latsha, whom she admires not only as a phenomenal rugby player but as an exceptional human being.
Pictured: DUT rugby star, Elam Zonele.
Vukani Langa
