As Amara Ogbu sat in the stands, watching Nicole Ogbu take to the field, her heart swelled with pride.
Not just because of her skill or the score, but because of the joy she exuded in that moment.Amara is Nicole’s big sister, who will turn 16 on March 29.
She is in Grade 10 at Sir John Adamson High School. She said she’s been there before, watching her stumble, fall, and pick herself up again. And she’d learned something invaluable along the way – the art of supporting her without adding pressure.
She described her as someone with passion, and you need not try to exert pressure on her to win.
“You need to allow her to be the captain of the ship. No adding your own plans or worrying about winning a game, as she plays, she learns more.
“All you need to do is show support. Nicole told me she wanted to play rugby when she was in Grade Seven. She is fortunate to be in this school as they take rugby seriously,” she said.Amara conceded that, regarding child development, Nicole needs to do some of the things alone in order to learn.
“I remember when she lost her first game. I didn’t say anything because she needed to navigate some of the things on her own. However, as the days went by, I was there for her, and we talked about it. I told her that sometimes it is not all about competing but having fun. She mustn’t put so much pressure on herself because she won’t perform to her maximum best,” she said.
She often cheered louder when Nicole played for the love of it, when she supported teammates, and when she showed resilience in defeat. “I kept my excitement in check when they won, focusing instead on their effort rather than the outcome. Sometimes you do overstep because all you want is for her to thrive.
“Setbacks and disappointments are unavoidable because one way or the other, they will happen. All you need to do is communicate with her and introduce new ideas. Communication is important. She’s got a good character and personal development, she doesn’t like losing,” she said.
Sir John Adamson High School rugby player, Nicole Ogbu and her sister, Amara Ogbu. Photo: Lucky Thusi
When it comes to resilience and a growth mind-set, Amara said Nicole has a different way of thinking, and when she has fun, she plays her best. “I encourage her to meet new people and just have fun in order to enjoy the game of rugby,” she said.
She said this shift transformed their relationship. They began to enjoy the game more, exploring her potential without the weight of her expectations.
Nicole Ogbu wearing Springbok coloursPlaying rugby for Nicole feels inspiring, motivating and surreal because she said she was scared at first.
“I played touch rugby and my coach told me I have the body to play rugby, that was in 2024. At first, I thought the transition wasn’t for me; however, I adapted. I found home in rugby. I am a lock, but I want to move to eighth man. I look up to players like former Sir John Adamson High School learner, Chioma Onuegbu and Lesley Mthethwa,” she said.
Nicole has played in Craven Week and the Imbokodo Tournament, organised by the University of Johannesburg, where she scored her first try for the U16S.
“Coach Andrew from Alberton Rugby Club helped to play at Soncini Games and Iqhawe Games. From there, I went to play Summer Games in Pretoria. In 2025, during Craven Week for the Golden Lions, I won the player of the match award. It was my utmost dream. Playing Winter Games in Durban was epic, as it was my first time there; I was the captain of the Golden Lions. I also played at the National Girls’ Week for Springbok U16 in Paarl.
“We had a great camaraderie with other players in such a way that we were crying when it was time to go back home. Singing brought us together, and the motivation by coaches helped us a lot,” she said.
Nicole’s advice to younger girls who want to play rugby: “Go for it, patience is key. I rugby you find peace, love and family.”
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