11/04/2026
Yanga Ndabeni Named Cheetah Queens Player of The Year at Awards Breakfast at Bon Hotel
The curtain came down on the 2026 Women’s Rugby season as the Cheetah Queens hosted their annual Awards Breakfast at the Bon Hotel, where player contributions were acknowledged and special awards presented for outstanding performances.
The Cheetah Queens have made significant strides over the past 18 months, recording 11 national call-ups across various South African Rugby structures—an achievement that speaks directly to the strength and intent of the programme.
During the 2025/26 season, four players earned selection to the SA Rugby U19 Elite Player Development (EPD) Programme, with two of those players progressing further to the Junior Springbok U20 training squad. From this group, one player achieved an additional milestone with a call-up to the Springbok Women’s Sevens programme.
National Call-Ups:
SA Rugby U19 EPD Programme
• Owami Mohuli
• Joy Ahauto
• Bridget Vaarland
• Charnelle Britz
Junior Springbok U20 Training Squad
• Owami Mohuli
• Joy Ahauto
Springbok Women’s Sevens
• Owami Mohuli
These national selections are a strong testament to the development programme introduced and led by former Head Coach and Women’s Rugby Development Supervisor, Aschin Klein
The senior team endured a challenging season, impacted by off-field interference from elected officials and a disrupted pre-season. However, despite these challenges, the squad showed notable growth and resilience. While their 7th-place finish with two victories does not fully reflect their progress, their on-field performances and competitiveness throughout the season highlight the programme’s upward trajectory.
Anelca Hess Jnr delivered an exceptional individual season, finishing as the third-highest points scorer in South Africa—behind only players from the ISUZU Bulls Daisies.
The team’s improvement against top opposition was particularly evident. In 2025, the Queens conceded more than 90 points against both the Bulls Daisies and Boland Dames. In 2026, they held Boland Dames to just over 30 points away from home. Against the Bulls Daisies, after conceding 52 points in the first half in 2025, they trailed only 28–6 at halftime in 2026 and went on to finish 51–9 in what many regarded as one of the champions’ most competitive fixtures of the season—forcing them to opt for penalty kicks at goal, a rare occurrence.
The Queens also came close to a historic victory over Western Province at St Andrews Rugby Field. After a delay of more than an hour due to venue compliance with BokSmart safety requirements, the Queens led at halftime before the experienced visitors finished strongly to deny them the win.
In their final fixture of the season, the Queens rewrote history with a 41–24 victory over Border Women in East London—securing their first-ever win against the six-time champions and ten-time finalists. The team dedicated this victory to former General Manager, Mr. Selvyn Colby, who travelled to support the team and remained a passionate advocate for the women’s programme.
Coach Ash paid tribute, stating:
“He has been an exceptional leader at the Union who ensured women’s rugby had a seat at the table. The strides made in the Free State are largely due to his commitment, and his absence will be felt for years to come.”
Reflecting on the collective effort behind the team’s progress, Coach Ash added:
“I was privileged to work with one of the most experienced and highly qualified management teams in the Free State. From coaching and medical support to strength and conditioning, every individual played a critical role—especially given our limited pre-season preparation. It has truly been a blessing to work with such a committed group.”
The squad itself was a well-balanced group, combining youth and experience, with approximately 10 U20 players from the 2025 cohort integrated into the system. Veteran Bernice “Zippy” Strydom marked a significant milestone, earning her 85th cap for the Free State, contributing as a versatile hybrid player across both forwards and backs.
Yanga Ndabeni, the team’s ho**er, was named Player of the Year after consistently delivering high-level performances across all fixtures. Neidine Solomons earned Forward of the Year honours, while former Junior Springbok Anelca Hess capped an outstanding season by claiming Backline Player of the Year, as well as Top Points Scorer and Top Try Scorer. Owami Mohuli’s breakthrough season saw her crowned U20 Player of the Year following her national selections.
The Awards Breakfast also marked the farewell of Head Coach, Coach Ash, whose contract was not renewed. Coach Darren Colby expressed his appreciation for Coach Ash’s leadership and contribution to the programme.
In his closing remarks, Coach Ash reflected:
“While I do not leave on my own terms and with a sense of unfinished business, I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve the game in the Free State. To have worked with such a special group of players and an exceptional management team has been a privilege. What we were building within this programme, despite significant budget constraints, will always rank among the most meaningful experiences of my career. I now look forward to new opportunities ahead.”
2026 Award Winners:
• Player of the Year: Yanga Ndabeni (Ho**er)
• Forward of the Year: Neidine Solomons (Flank)
• Backline Player of the Year: Anelca Hess (Flyhalf/Fullback)
• U20 Player of the Year: Owami Mohuli
• Top Points Scorer: Anelca Hess
• Top Try Scorer: Anelca Hess
Special Recognition:
• Bernice “Zippy” Strydom – 85th Cap for Free State Women’s Rugby
The Cheetah Queens conclude the 2026 season having laid a strong foundation for future growth, underpinned by resilience, development, and a clear commitment to advancing women’s rugby in the Free State.
