Cecil Afrika confident of Springbok Women's title defense ahead of Africa Women's 7s
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 13.11.25. | 22:00
It will be Afrika’s first major assignment in charge of the team since taking over, and he is confident that the squad’s blend of experience, maturity, and hunger will see them through
Springbok Women’s Sevens coach Cecil Afrika says his side is ready to defend their crown as the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup kicks off on Saturday, 16, to Sunday, 17 November at the RFUEA Grounds.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
The South Africans, who are the tournament’s defending champions, departed for Kenya on Wednesday, 12 November. Afrika’s confidence stems from the optimism and composure within his charges, which he said is a result of their strong preparation.
“What I take on the plane with me as a coach is the energy that the players showed during training sessions, first back in Stellenbosch and during our altitude training in Pretoria this last week.
They know exactly what is at stake and are determined to deliver the result that will keep our focus on the job at hand,” he said.
It will be Afrika’s first major assignment in charge of the team since taking over, and he is confident that the squad’s blend of experience, maturity, and hunger will see them through.
Captain Nadine Roos will lead a side packed with world-stage experience, including Zintle Mpupha, Byrhandré Dolf, and Ayanda Malinga, who featured at the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, where the team reached the quarter-finals for the first time.
Other notable names in the squad include Liske Lategan, who returns from a knee injury after months of rehabilitation, and Asisipho Plaatjies, making her comeback after last playing at the HSBC SVNS Cape Town in December 2023.
Afrika admitted that final team selection was tough given the level of effort shown by all 18 players in the training group, but said he is pleased with the squad’s balance.
“It was a great effort by all the players, something that is always pleasing to any coach. The players selected have played in big tournaments before, and with the high standards Nadine sets, she will push them to be at their best on the field,” he continued.
With the ultimate goal of returning to the HSBC SVNS circuit, the Bok Women must win all their matches this weekend to stay on course for Challenger 3 qualification in January. Afrika believes the Nairobi event will serve as both a proving ground and a reset.
“There is massive pressure on us, and we all know what is at stake, but we are all in to make it to the next stage. This tournament will also be an ideal opportunity to get our systems going again after a break in tournament play.
We hope to lay a solid foundation, so when we do get the desired result, we will be ready for the next challenge,” he offered.
The 12-time champions headline Pool A, where they will face Zimbabwe and Mauritius in the preliminary stages.
Springbok Women’s Sevens Squad for the 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)
Byrhandré Dolf
Ayanda Malinga
Liske Lategan
.jpg)
