“I remember crying like a baby laying on the field,” says Bulls Daisies and Springbok Women utility forward Lerato Makua as she reflects on the moment she sustained an injury that would keep her out of the game for more than 73 weeks, a period which she had to wrestle with the idea of never being able to return and that rugby was done.
Fortunately, the 25-year-old’s worst nightmare and fears did not get the better of her as she fought her way through rehab, achieving her goal of returning to play at the beginning of a very important year for women’s rugby. The young lock is delighted to be back, as she has regained full fitness that has earned her her first call back into the national setup in more than 16 months.
Makua underwent knee surgery, and the Mamelodi East Ext 5 native says her family has been her source of inspiration.
Reflecting on completing her recovery, she said: “I remember it like it was yesterday, from running on the field and being happy because I was doing what I love, to screaming on the floor and being stretched off the field and being on an operating table a few days later and another, four months later.”
“My recovery hasn't been easy, and I think besides the actual injury, it was extremely difficult because I wasn't mentally fit for the whole process of the injury. Sometimes, I felt like giving up because everything felt overwhelming, and rugby felt so far away and unreachable,”
“I considered that rugby was done for me.”
The Stanza Rugby Club alumni adds: “I am so glad to be back, to be called up into the Springboks and have this opportunity to try and pick up where I left. I know the hard work will continue, and that is a challenge I am looking forward to because I now know I can deal with a lot as long as I have the support.”
“I am proud of myself, the people who have worked so hard to help me get back on my feet. They were so important in keeping me going. Our team doctor, Doc Moshe and my family were my biggest support. I owe them a lot of gratitude,”
“Perhaps the coming months are going to be my hardest, but I believe I will be more than fine as long as I can stay mentally fit and not think about my knee. I am so glad I never gave up,” she concludes.
Lerato is currently with the Springbok Women assembled in Stellenbosch for camp four of the year, as the national team journeys towards the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Post camp, the Daisies lock will rejoin her provincial team as she works towards her return to competitive rugby in the domestic competition.