Shattering stigmas

Mariselle Stofberg

Eighteen-year-old Anri Botha is one of only two female rugby referees in Namibia.

She completed a level 1 referee course, which allows her to referee games at school level.

She is a grade 12 learner at Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (WAP) and is an only child.

“Because our family is so small, we have a very strong bond with one another. We have a very close relationship, and we tell each other everything,” she said.

“Being an only child probably brought out the tomboy in me. I used to have more male friends growing up, and two of my best friends are guys.”

Growing up, Botha eagerly traded her dolls and tea sets for playing ‘open the gate’ and ‘touchies’ with the boys.

At the age of two, her family moved to South Africa, where they stayed for 13 years. They then returned to Namibia and she started her grade 8 year at WAP.

Around the time Botha was in grade 6 or 7 she told her parents that she loved rugby, and wanted to start playing the game.

“As any mother would react to her only daughter asking to play a contact sport like rugby, she said that that would not be possible.”

The opportunity to eventually become a part of the sport she adored presented itself during her grade 10 year at WAP.

A rugby referee course was being held at the school, and Botha immediately signed up.

“I fell in love with it from the start and this gave me the opportunity to become a part of the sport; just from a different perspective. Every Saturday I would be the first in front of the television to watch rugby, and this gave me the opportunity to become a part of the sport I loved so much.”

Botha says that her first game as a referee was one of her highlights thus far.

“It was a game for the under-13s and I can remember what a nervous wreck I had been. What the hell was I doing? I was a girl standing on field waiting to tell a bunch of boys how they should play a game they clearly knew how to play.”

The moment the game started she felt at ease, knowing she was doing something she was meant to do. “I learned so much in that game, and even though I was still nervous, I felt excited and fantastic.”

Botha says the referee community has become like her family, and suddenly this only child had a bunch of new brothers in her life.

One of the challenges for Botha has been the perception that being a referee for a sport like rugby is only meant for men.

“Some people will challenge you and say you have no idea what you are doing, just because you are female. If anyone comes up to you and questions your credibility because of your gender, you need to take a stand. Stand firm, lift up your chin and say: I am a human just like you. I have the right to be here and I have the necessary skills to finish the job.”

Botha strongly believes that if you have the skills that are needed, you will prove to everyone that you are equipped and qualified to be a referee; and through this you will earn their trust.

She believes that respect is a two-way street, and that you need to return the same respect given to you by others.

Finding a balance in everything she does proved difficult in the beginning; it required a strong support network.

“You need to prioritise to allow yourself to allocate your time accordingly.”

Botha emphasises that you should never be afraid of making mistakes, but rather use your mistakes and learn from them.

“It’s all about how you recover. Come back stronger and keep fighting for what you love.”

Botha plans to complete her level 2 course in the future and also plans to study in Bloemfontein next year; preferably something within the medical field.

Anri Botha fact box:

She is a huge Marvel fan.

She prefers walking around in socks rather than walking barefoot.

Her favourite book is ‘Into the water’ by Paula Hawkins.

She did ballet.

Her favourite fruit is a kiwi.