by Kezia Daniels
Maties Women’s Rugby is set to enter an exciting new chapter under the leadership of its newly appointed head coach, Aneesah Adams. A passionate and experienced figure in the sport, Adams brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for rugby to Stellenbosch University. Her journey, philosophy, and vision for the team promise to shape a strong foundation for the future of women’s rugby at Maties.
Adams’ love for rugby started at a young age, watching Stormers and Western Province games at Newlands Stadium. “My journey in rugby began at a young age when I fell in love with the game standing on the sidelines,” she shares. Over the years, her involvement in the sport grew, transitioning from touch rugby to strength and conditioning coaching at the club level. This eventually paved the way for her progression into full-time coaching.
For Adams, coaching was a natural step in her rugby journey. “I enjoy helping others grow and develop their full potential. It’s fulfilling to see players improve in the game and become better human beings,” she says. Now, as the head coach of Maties Women’s Rugby, Adams sees this role as an opportunity to combine her passion for the sport with commitment to building a strong and empowered team.
Since stepping into her new role, Adams has been impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of the Maties women’s rugby team. “My first impression was that this team has an eagerness to learn and a strong foundation to build on. The players are dedicated, enthusiastic, and supportive of one another – key ingredients for success.”
Her vision extends beyond just performance on the field. Adams aims to foster a culture that leaves a lasting impact, shaping both skilled athletes and well-rounded individuals.
Adams’ coaching philosophy is built on five key pillars: honesty, teamwork, accountability, respect, and discipline. “Success comes from fostering a positive environment where players feel supported and challenged to push their limits,” she explains. This season, she plans to instill these values through structured training sessions, clear communication, and a focus on both individual and team growth.
Under Adams’ leadership, Maties Women’s Rugby has ambitious goals for the 2025 season. “The community can expect a very competitive, hardworking team that represents the university with pride. Our main goal is to win Varsity Cup,” she says. In addition to this, she aims to enhance individual skill sets, increase player participation, and ensure strong performances in all matches. She encourages students to support the team by attending matches, spreading the word about Maties Women’s Rugby, following the team on social media, and even joining the squad. “Anyone is welcome to join,” she adds.
As a female coach in a sport traditionally dominated by men, Adams understands barriers. Her advice to young women aspiring to leadership roles in sports is simple yet powerful: “Believe in yourself, stay resilient, and never be afraid to take up space. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and allies, keep learning, and trust your abilities. Women have a vital role to play in leadership across all sports, and by staying committed and passionate, we can continue paving the way for the next generation.
Before joining Maties, Adams coached at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), one of Maties’ strongest rivals. Her move to Stellenbosch was driven by a desire for new challenges and opportunities to grow women’s rugby in a different environment. “I was excited by the potential I saw here and the opportunity to build something special with a passionate group of players,” she explains.
Her experience at UWC, particularly in high-performance rugby and strategic planning, will be really important in her approach at Maties. “I’m looking forward to using that experience to build on the strengths already present as well as taking the team to the next level.”
