Welcome to Pantheon Profiles. Here we dive into the heart of rugby through engaging conversations. Players, coaches, refs, and any stakeholders will share personal stories, insights, experiences, and opinions. This space celebrates the people in and around the game and brings the essence of rugby to life.
I first met Gorata Kgathi around 2012 or 2013—I can’t quite remember the exact year, but I’ll never forget the impression she made. Tall, sharp-witted, driven, and full of humor, Gorata was the type of person who commanded attention and respect, both on and off the field. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being her club mate and coach at Gaborone Rugby Football Club (GRFC), a rival coach when she established Savage Rugby Club, and always her biggest fan. Her journey is more than just a story about success (read this story about her trip to the Rugby World Cup) it’s a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of creating your own path—values that echo through Pantheon’s own principles and should resonate with every young athlete and coach. Welcome to the Pantheon Gorata!
Seizing Her Story: From Player to Pioneer
Gorata Kgathi’s journey in rugby exemplifies passion, resilience, and the importance of shaping one’s own path. From the moment she first set foot on the field, it was evident that Gorata wasn’t just playing the game—she was making an indelible impact.
When Gorata noticed the gaps in women’s rugby in Botswana, she didn’t wait for change; she initiated it. “I wanted to make a meaningful impact,” Gorata said. “After assessing the state of women’s rugby, I realized I could do more to support and develop the sport.” This realization led her to found Savage Rugby Club, Botswana’s first women-only rugby club.
Starting Savage Rugby Club was about more than just the sport; it was about creating a space where women felt empowered and supported. “I shifted my focus from playing to intentionally pursuing coaching,” she shared. This shift echoes our approach of seizing every moment to not just participate but innovate. Coaches can draw inspiration from Gorata’s commitment to building something from the ground up, reminding them that impactful leadership often requires taking risks and thinking ahead.
Challenges in Coaching: Breaking Barriers
My achievements only highlight the significant lack of role models in coaching within the country, as women are seldom seen in coaching structures at both club and national team levels.
Gorata Kgathi
Becoming Botswana’s first certified female coach came with its share of obstacles. “Limited representation of female coaches creates the perception that coaching is a male domain,” Gorata explained. This lack of role models can deter women from even attempting to enter the field. Additionally, stereotypes and biases can cast doubt on women’s expertise. “Women face gender stereotypes and biases that undermine their knowledge and passion for the sport,” she said, “leading to feelings of self-doubt or impostor syndrome.”
For development coaches and players, this is an important insight. Building credibility and resilience, as Gorata did, is essential for overcoming these challenges. Her journey shows that coaching is not just about techniques but about fostering trust, respect, and community. She emphasizes, “We need systemic changes within sports organizations to create an inclusive environment for women in coaching roles.”
Improving Pathways for Women’s Rugby
Gorata’s story also highlights the pressing need for clearer developmental pathways to support female athletes. “There’s a significant drop-off from secondary school to senior rugby,” she noted. To counter this, she advocates for dedicated development programs, mentorship from female role models, and flexible training schedules. “As coaches, we need to understand the time constraints many young women face,” Gorata said. Coaches can take this advice and create programs that are both structured and accommodating.
Workshops, webinars, and community engagement events are key to keeping young women involved in rugby. “Engaging the community and promoting women’s rugby through events and feedback mechanisms can foster a supportive environment,” Gorata suggested. This approach resonates with ours of developing players through continuous learning and community-building.
Moments of Gratitude and Lifelong Lessons
Despite all the challenges, Gorata remains grateful for the experiences rugby has brought her. “Recently, I’ve felt a deep sense of gratitude for the friendships forged through shared experiences on and off the field,” she reflected. These connections underscore that rugby’s true value extends beyond matches; it builds networks that uplift and inspire.
Her late coach, Mark Wilson, stands out as the unsung hero of her journey. “He was the one who encouraged me to embrace the sport and insisted I continue playing,” Gorata shared. “Mark had unwavering faith in my abilities both on and off the field. It deeply saddens me that he passed away before seeing some of the things we discussed come to life.” Mark’s belief in her abilities was pivotal, reminding us that behind every strong leader, is a mentor who provides guidance and trust.
Seizing Her Story: Inspiring Future Generations
Gorata’s parting advice to young athletes and coaches is simple yet powerful: “Don’t wait for your club or union to point you to opportunities. Take the initiative and actively seek personal and professional growth.” This proactive mindset aligns with the essence of Pantheon — embracing challenges, learning continuously, and playing with intention.
Her story serves as a call to action for schools and rugby clubs to build environments that inspire female athletes and foster coaching diversity. By sharing their own stories and supporting others in their rugby journey, they can continue to develop the sport and empower the next generation to seize their stories and shape their own paths.
