Pressure Is a Privilege: Babalwa Latsha on Breaking Barriers in Rugby & Life

Summary In this episode of the Lessons of the Game podcast, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Begner interview Babalwa Latsha, a trailblazing South African rugby player. Babalwa shares her journey from Kailitsha to becoming the first African woman to sign a professional rugby contract. She discusses the importance of acceptance, resilience, and using her platform to empower young women. The conversation touches on her experiences in Spain, the Premier League, and her advocacy work with the Menstruation Foundation. Babalwa emphasizes the significance of understanding the unique dynamics of coaching female athletes and the growing recognition of women's rugby. The episode concludes with insights on overcoming adversity, the importance of determination, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming World Cup. Takeaways Rugby teaches acceptance and understanding of one's identity. Pressure in sports can be seen as a privilege. Injuries can lead to self-doubt but also provide opportunities for growth. Empowering young women is a key focus of Babalwa's advocacy work. Coaching female athletes requires understanding and communication. Women's rugby is evolving and gaining recognition globally. Determination and resilience are crucial for success in sports. Babalwa's journey highlights the importance of role models. The scrum is a mental game as much as a physical one. Babalwa aims to create a lasting legacy through her work. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Babalwa Latsha 02:53 Lessons from Rugby: Acceptance and Uniqueness 06:19 Journey to Spain: Breaking New Ground 08:11 Playing in the Premier League: A Dream Realized 10:53 Overcoming Adversity: Growing Up in Kailita 13:14 The Role of Advocacy: Changing Lives Through Rugby 19:54 Empowering Young Women: The Menstruation Foundation 24:24 Coaching Insights: Understanding Female Athletes 33:17 Excitement for the World Cup: A New Era for Women's Rugby 35:52 The Pressure of Recognition in Women's Rugby 38:55 Scrum Dynamics: A Mind Game 43:44 Role Models and Inspirations 46:40 Overcoming Adversity: The Injury Experience 53:39 The Power of 'Ish' and Cultural Expressions 54:38 Advice for Aspiring Athletes 01:00:23 Lessons from the Game: Determination and Commitment 🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more rugby insights from top players & coaches! 📲 Follow us for more rugby content: 📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://thescrumdominatormindset.mykajabi.com/offers/JNLUYzpi Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcast Follow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp Follow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna