The Springbok Women’s Sevens team, under the guidance of new coach Cecil Afrika, has traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, with a singular focus: to emerge victorious at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup this weekend. A win is essential for the team to continue their pursuit of HSBC SVNS qualification, with the next step being Challenger 3 in January.
Determined Mindset and High Stakes
Despite the immense pressure, Coach Afrika expressed confidence in the squad’s mood and preparation, highlighting the strong energy shown during their training sessions in Stellenbosch and at altitude in Pretoria.
“They know exactly what is at stake and are determined to deliver the result,” Afrika stated, emphasizing the team’s control over their own destiny.
The tournament is also viewed as a vital opportunity to re-establish their systems following a break from competitive play, setting a “solid foundation” for the upcoming challenges.
Squad Depth and Experience
The final selection proved difficult due to the commitment of all 18 players in the training group, a factor that pleased the coach. The selected 12-woman squad is highly experienced, featuring players who have previously competed on the world stage.
Captain Nadine Roos will lead a team featuring several senior players. The squad also includes key returnees:
- Liske Lategan makes her comeback after a sustained knee injury.
- Asisipho Plaatjies rejoins the team, having last played in the HSBC SVNS Cape Town in December 2023.
Several players bring recent international form, with Roos, Zintle Mpupha, Byrhandré Dolf, and Ayanda Malinga having been part of the Women’s Rugby World Cup squad that reached the quarter-finals. Others, including Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Leigh Fortuin, Simamkele Namba, Patience Mokone, and Maria Tshiremba, were in action at the HSBC SVNS Play-Off tournament in Los Angeles in May.
Springbok Women’s Sevens Squad for Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup:
- Leigh Fortuin
- Asisipho Plaatjies
- Patience Mokone
- Zintle Mpupha
- Vianca Boer
- Siniqwa Lamprecht
- Maria Tshiremba
- Simamkele Namba
- Nadine Roos (Captain)
- Byrhandrè Dolf
- Ayanda Malinga
- Liske Lategan
