The Springbok Women’s squad for the upcoming Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar has been unveiled, featuring the return of seasoned players Nomawethu Mabenge, Lusanda Dumke, and Sizophila Solontsi.
These experienced athletes are set to bolster South Africa’s campaign as they vie for qualification to the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.
Head coach Louis Koen has selected a squad of 28 players, comprising 16 forwards and 12 backs, who will compete in Antananarivo against formidable opponents Cameroon, Kenya, and Madagascar in a bid for continental glory.
Mabenge, Dumke, and Solontsi, integral members of last year’s squad that emerged undefeated against the same opponents, clinching a spot in the WXV 2 tournament, return after overcoming injury setbacks. Nomawethu Mabenge notably topped the scoring charts in Madagascar last year with an impressive 30 points.
Coach Koen expressed optimism about the squad’s depth, citing the importance of seasoned campaigners like Mabenge, Solontsi, and Dumke, who bring invaluable World Cup experience. He also emphasized the significance of building squad depth, with only one uncapped player, Sikholiwe Mdletshe, making the cut.
“We are clear about the end goal, but we will focus on the process and detail in our game that will get us there,” said Coach Koen, outlining the team’s objectives.
Amber Schonert, who made her Test debut last year, and Lindelwa Gwala, representing Ealing Trailfinders, will add international expertise to the squad. Their inclusion underscores Coach Koen’s strategy of blending experience with emerging talent.
However, the team will miss the services of Babalwa Latsha, Danelle Lochner, Aseza Hele, and Catha Jacobs due to injury or club commitments abroad.
Reflecting on the squad’s journey thus far, Coach Koen emphasized the upcoming matches’ significance, stating, “We started off as a group a year ago and highlighted stops on our route to England 2025. We took a lot of learnings from those opportunities, and we will continue to work hard to improve as a group.”
The Springbok Women are slated to depart for Madagascar on Thursday, with anticipation building for their quest to secure victory and a coveted spot at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
As South Africa gears up for this crucial campaign, the return of seasoned campaigners and the infusion of fresh talent promises an exciting chapter in the team’s pursuit of rugby excellence.
Springbok Women fixtures (Stade Maki, Antananarivo):
4 May: Cameroon
8 May: Kenya
12 May: Madagascar
The Springbok Women squad for the Africa Cup:
Forwards (16):
Lindelwa Gwala (Ealing Trailfinders Women) – 29 Tests, 35 points (7 tries)
Roseline Botes (DHL Western Province) – 17 Tests, 40 points (8 tries)
Sanelisiwe Charlie (Bulls Daisies) – 16 Tests, 5 points (1 try)
Yoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women) – 2 Tests, 0 points
Aliyah Tchogna-Njamen (Golden Lions Women) – 2 Tests, 0 points
Amber Schonert (Sale Sharks Women) – 4 Tests, 0 points
Azisa Mkiva (DHL Western Province) – 6 Tests, 0 points
Nolusindiso Booi (captain, DHL Western Province) – 42 Tests, 5 points (1 try)
Vainah Ubisi (Bulls Daisies) – 11 Tests, 0 points
Anathi Qolo (Bulls Daisies) – 2 Tests, 0 points
Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) – 5 Tests, 0 points
Samantha Els (unattached) – 1 Test, 0 points
Nompumelelo Mathe (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 17 Tests, 25 points (5 tries)
Sinazo Mcatshulwa (DHL Western Province) – 29 Tests, 45 points (9 tries)
Lusanda Dumke (Bulls Daisies) – 28 Tests, 35 points (7 tries)
Sizophila Solontsi (Bulls Daisies) – 18 Tests, 40 points (8 tries)
Backs (12):
Byrhandrè Dolf (Bulls Daisies) – 11 Tests, 15 points (3 tries)
Chuma Qawe (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 9 Tests, 0 points
Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 3 Tests, 5 points (1 try)
Nomawethu Mabenge (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 16 Tests, 65 points (13 tries)
Sikholiwe Mdletshe (Free State Women) – uncapped
Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies) – 11 Tests, 29 points (2 tries, 5 conversions, 3 penalty goals)
Veroeshka Grain (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 19 Tests, 35 points (7 tries)
Piwokuhle Nyanda (Golden Lions Women) – 10 Tests, 0 points
Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies) – 18 Tests, 35 points (7 tries)
Mary Zulu (Sharks Women) – 8 Tests, 4 points (2 conversions)
Tayla Kinsey (Sharks Women) – 32 Tests, 48 points (2 tries, 16 conversions, 2 penalty goals)
Rumandi Potgieter (Bulls Daisies) – 15 Tests, 0 points
