Interview with a Mozambique Legend

The following is an interview with the famous woman rugger of Mozambique, Crelia Jornal Hoguane, a huge role model for rugby and for women in Mozambique.

Mandy: What got you to play rugby?

Crelia: What got me to start playing rugby was my passion for the sport and Mandy.

Mandy: What has rugby done to change your life?

Crelia: Rugby changed my view of the world and of life. I have been able to know many more places because of rugby.

Mandy: What challenges have your overcome to get to where you are today?

Crelia: The challenges have been many, but the main thing I have had to overcome is the prejudice of my family and society for what I am doing (playing rugby, etc)

Mandy: What makes you get up in the morning and train everyday?

Crelia: My will-power and want to grow every day gets me moving and training everyday!

Mandy: What motivates you the most about your profession as an athlete?

Crelia: What motivates me is the want to do better, always.

Mandy: What is important to you?

Crelia: The important thing for me is the achievements that I can and will achieve from rugby and especially from my education.

Mandy: What are your strengths as both an athlete and a person?

Crelia: My strengths include self-confidence and a strong self-esteem. This gives me the courage to do what I do.

Mandy: What is the best thing you have done in 2020?

Crelia: In 2020, the best thing I did was study. I am currently studying at the Pedagogy Univeristy to be a Physical Education teacher, an opportunity rugby has given me. I also truly believe that soon things will return to normal.

Mandy: Who would win an arm wrestling competition on your team?

Crelia: On my team, in an arm wrestling competition, the girls pretty much have always won.

Mandy: What is your sport hero? Why do you admire this person?

Crelia: My sport hero is Lurdes Mutola. I admire her because she is strong and a warrior. She never lost sight in fighting for her goals!

Mandy: What do the best coaches have in common?

Crelia: All the best coaches have the will to teach and to learn.

Mandy: Who was your favorite coach and why?

Crelia: My favorite coach was Adelino because he was able to teach me how to gain my confidence in the game.

Mandy: What are some of your best memories from a playing rugby?

Crelia: My best memories from rugby is the environment we make after the games are over! The socialing!

Mandy: Tell us about a particularly close or exciting game.

Crelia: A game that was emotion for me happened in Hermanus, South Africa, a 7's tournament that was just for women. The games were amazing and a moment in time I will never forget.

Mandy: What are your future aspirations?

Crelia: I hope to be able to continue to learn more about the world through rugby 🏉 I also hope to be able to represent my country as I continue to know more of the world. I would also love to travel to the USA.

Mandy: Do you have a plan to help you meet these dreams? Explain.

Crelia: Yes, I have plans! First off, I plan to continue to help and expand rugby in Mozambique for girls and women, for the youth. The future is rugby, the future is women!