With the help of Timothy Qumbu, the “princesses” of the Springbok women’s rugby team may soon become the “queens” of the game.

Yes, it is true that our women’s team cannot yet compete with the likes of New Zealand or England, and this can be attributed to the amateur nature of the code in South Africa.

It is also a fact that women’s rugby is booming worldwide. In a sports mad country such as South Africa, it is important to compete with the best.

A key to success is having permanent professionals in the national setup – someone like Timothy. By adding him to the South African women’s rugby mix, they now have a strength and conditioning coach with a passion for the game like few other.

Timothy recently bid farewell to the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science to join SA Rugby permanently.

Working alongside coach Lawerence Sephaka, a former Springbok prop, Timothy would like to transform the national women’s side into one that is to be reckoned with. He will also be part of the national women’s Sevens setup.

“I have been blessed with the opportunity to permanently train the Springbok women’s rugby team as well as the women’s Sevens team,” says Timothy.

“However, I will be forever grateful to the NWU for affording me the chance to make an impact in students’ lives, both as a lecturer and as a sports scientist.”

As a player, Timothy was a promising fullback before a severe knee injury curtailed his career. Now he is ready to help others achieve their dream of representing their country in the sport that they love.

For Bongani Timothy Qumbu there is no greater reward.

Timothy Qumbu