The new Liefling of Loftus: 'I want to make my mark'
Many would not be familiar with the name Jakkie Cilliers.
However, this shy and immensely talented athlete has been gradually building her legacy at Loftus Versfeld and beyond.
Fresh out of the Springbok Women's alignment camp, the Bulls Daisies centre is setting her sights on a couple of new goals for the year.
Cilliers was named Provincial Women’s Player of the Year for her incredible record-breaking performance during the 2024 Premier Division.
The centre helped the Bulls Daisies to the second consecutive title and was the top point scorer in the league with 172 points, beating the previous record of 136.
She continued with her impressive form and steered the Bulls Daisies to another Final.
Since the first match of the new season, the star has been pivotal, scoring 25 points (10 conversions and a try) against EP Queens in Round One.
She went on to kick 27 conversions and scored two tries up until now.
The Daisies centre’s love affair with the sport and kicking started late in life in 2021 when she was lured to train with the Leopards women’s team in Potchefstroom while playing netball for the North West University.
During those early days in Potchefstroom, she was lucky enough to draw on the expertise of Andre Pretorius, who was the Leopards men’s head coach at the time.
Cilliers is expected to take over the kicking duties this Saturday when the Bulls Daisies host Cheetahs Queens before their Final on March 27 at Loftus Versfeld.
“We said we are going for the threepeat, so we are excited about hosting the Final," Cilliers told @rugby365com.
“There is still a lot of work to be done, but the girls are keen on winning the third year.
“It is also amazing to represent the Bulls Daisies in a Final again and the girls just moving as one to defend the trophy.”
Cilliers said aside from having incredible individuals, unity is the main contributor to the Bulls Daisies' success.
“We have a lot of Springbok Women in the squad, we have great players.
“However, I think everyone that comes in on a Monday, gets the game plan and everyone plays as one.
“The unity in our team is really something special and it builds character. We play for each other, we play for our families back home and that also helps.
“But there is so much talent in our team and variations of players.”
The Bulls Daisies are spoilt for choice in regard to the kicking. Not only is Cilliers a formidable place kicker but Libbie Janse van Rensburg is another player that is solid from the tee.
“There is a lot of debate at management about who is kicking and who is not," Cilliers admitted.
"However, we understand each other. If I make a mistake I go to her asked he opinion on what can I fix. So we understand each other in that concept.
“I support her, and she supports me. Whoever is kicking side doesn’t matter, we do what is best for the team.”
Aside from wanting to represent South Africa at the 2025 World Cup in England, Cilliers longs to leave a legacy behind.
"I don’t just want to be a player; I want to make a mark.
"I want to set an example for younger girls and boys.
"But other stuff, I want to achieve is winning the Premier Division and be part of the World Cup squad."