Who is Cecil Afrika? A look at South Africa's legend leading Springboks at Africa Women’s 7s
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 15.11.25. | 16:03
The 37-year-old joined the team’s technical bench in 2023, marking a new chapter in a career that already sparkles with global accolades
South Africa’s Springbok Women landed in Nairobi on Wednesday, 12 November, ready for battle at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens set for Saturday, 15 to Sunday, 16 November at the RFUEA Grounds.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
But beyond the team’s title ambitions, all eyes will be fixed on one man on the touchline; rugby great Cecil Afrika, who returns to Kenya in a new, history-making role.
Afrika is one of the most talented playmakers ever to grace the World Rugby Sevens Series and will be coaching the Springbok Women for the first time at a major continental tournament.
The 37-year-old joined the team’s technical bench in 2023, marking a new chapter in a career that already sparkles with global accolades.
This weekend’s assignment will be Afrika’s first time leading the Springbok Women at the Africa Women’s Sevens, a 12-team tournament whose champion earns a spot in the newly introduced HSBC SVNS Division 3.
For a man who spent more than a decade terrorising defenses, inspiring teammates, and rewriting South Africa’s rugby record books, the transition from pitch to sidelines feels natural.
Afrika retired in June 2020 as South Africa’s all-time leading World Rugby Sevens Series point scorer, closing his chapter with a remarkable 1,462 points across 345 matches in 66 tournaments.
His debut came in Dubai in 2009, and for the next 11 years, he remained the heartbeat of the Blitzboks.
Afrika’s legacy is anchored in one unforgettable season: 2010/11, when he dominated the World Series as both the top try-scorer (40 tries) and top points-scorer (385 points), despite missing an entire leg.
His brilliance earned him the coveted 2011 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, edging out New Zealand’s Tomasi Cama.
Over his illustrious career, Afrika was part of two World Series-winning Blitzbok squads in 2017 and 2018, and he delivered for South Africa on the grandest multi-sport stages.
2010 Commonwealth Games (Delhi): Bronze
2014 Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): Gold
2016 Rio Olympics: Bronze
His contribution in Rio remains one of his most iconic performances. Afrika started the bronze medal match against Japan, scoring two tries and drilling five conversions in a 54–14 victory that secured South Africa’s place on the podium.
With the rise of women’s rugby in Africa, expectations are high, and few coaches understand the demands of elite sevens rugby quite like Afrika.
Cecil Afrika’s Career Highlights
Blitzbok colours (2009–2020)
345 appearances for South Africa
All-time leading South African points scorer (1465 points)
2010/2011 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year
Commonwealth Games: Bronze (2010), Gold (2014)
Olympics: Bronze (Rio 2016)
World Rugby Sevens Series Champion: 2017, 2018
