top-news-1350×250-leaderboard-1

Queenstown’s Anathi Qolo to Captain Springbok Women at Rugby Africa Cup

Sports
Queenstown’s Anathi Qolo to Captain Springbok Women at Rugby Africa Cup

Anathi Qolo will lead the Springbok Women to Madagascar, where they will defend their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title next month against Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar. The three Tests will all be played at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, on 7, 11, and 15 June 2025.

Qolo, a product of the Border Youth Training Centre, played in the FNB U16 and U18 Girls Weeks, before making her senior debut for the Border Ladies in 2018, but she moved to Pretoria in 2019, where she has played 54 times for the Bulls Daisies.

The 27-year-old lock, who was born in Queenstown and educated at Sandisiwe High School in Mdantsane, made her Test debut against Spain in Valladolid last year and has amassed six Test caps so far, including appearances at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup and WXV 2 in 2024, and last month against Spain in Alicante.

Qolo, who will become South Africa’s 11th Test captain since 2004, when the Bok Women played their first Test, will spearhead a squad of 28 players that include 12 uncapped players, all of whom have represented South Africa at international level, highlighting the healthy pathway developed in the national women’s game in recent years.

Heartbreak for Bok Women Sevens in Los Angeles

The Springbok Women’s Sevens team’s hearts were broken by their last-minute defeat to Kenya in…

The Springbok Women's Sevens captain Mathrin Simmers tracks the action as Rights Mkhari swings the ball down the line during the HSBC SVNS Play-off tournament at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles on Saturday, 3 May, 2025. Photo: Gallo Images / SA Rugby

Mixed Start for Bok Women Sevens in Los Angeles

The Springbok Women’s Sevens team had an up and down start in their first two…

Ayanda Malinga leads the loose ruck with ball possession in the Springbok Women's Sevens’ preparations ahead of their fixtures this weekend. The California dream might be over before it began for the team, but they are still determined to play the hand that was dealt to them this weekend at the HSBC SVNS Play-off tournament at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, kicking off against Ireland just before 8pm tomorrow evening. Photo: Gallo Images / SA Rugby

Boks Focus on the W Despite Sevens Format Change Blow in LA 

The Springbok Women’s Sevens team’s HSBCSevens qualification dream is over due to a World Rugby…

Springbok Women flanker Sinazo Mcatshulwa opened scoring for South Africa in their away beat Spain at Campo de Rugby Amorós Palao in Elche, Spain, on Saturday, 19 April, 2025. Photo: SA Rugby / Gallo Images

Springbok Women’s Powerful Pack Too Strong for Spain in Alicante

The Springbok Women scored eight tries against four to beat Spain with their powerful pack…

Long-serving captain Nolusindiso Booi will become the first player to reach 50 Test caps for the Springbok Women, when South Africa face Spain at Campo de Rugby Amorós Palao in Elche, Spain, on Saturday, 19 April, 2025. Photo: SA Rugby / Gallo Images

Bok Captain Nolusindiso Booi to Hit Milestone 50th Test in Spain

Long-serving captain Nolusindiso Booi will become the first player to reach 50 Test caps for…

The Springbok Women Sevens beat Argentina to win the final World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger tournament in Krakow, Poland, on Saturday, 12 April, 2025. All Photos: World Rugby

Mathrin Simmers Praises Women’s Bok Sevens Teammates for Krakow Glory

Springbok Women’s Sevens captain Mathrin Simmers heaped praised on her team after they closed out…

Insaaf Levy, who plays scrumhalf for DHL Western Province and studies medicine at the University of Cape Town, has played touch rugby for South Africa, but is the only uncapped player in the squad who is not a product of either the Youth Training Centres, FNB Girls Weeks, the Junior Springbok Women, or the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.

Amongst the backs, Patience Mokone and Leigh Fortuin represented the Springbok Women’s Sevens in Los Angeles earlier this month, while forwards Bronishia Hess, Dineo Ndhlovu, Sinothile Bengu, Anuchka Ekron and Anushka Groenewald played for the Junior Springbok Women last year, with Fortuin captaining the squad.

The squad, to be guided by Springbok Women assistant coaches Bafana Nhleko and Franzel September, has an experienced core of players who travelled to Madagascar in the 2023 and 2024 versions of the African showpiece, with no less than 13 players who have donned the green and gold at Stade Makis before.

Amongst them are Chuma Qawe, Nomawethu Mabenge, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Simamkele Namba, Unam Tose and Roseline Botes, who also played in the 2022 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The combined SA National Relay team’s arrival at OR Tambo International Airport smile to record the moment with ASA President, James Moloi; SASCOC President, Barry Hendricks; and and Teboho Thebehae, Acting Deputy Director-General at the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. All Photos: Cecilia van Bers

Relays Athletics Team SA Welcomed Home by Hundreds at OR Tambo International

Team SA was welcomed home by hundreds of fans, family, friends and schoolmates after finishing…

Once an a well-known track athlete, Thato Makhafola is now a successful charted accountant. Despite being away from the competitive scene she still stays close to her running community that she holds dear. All Photos: Supplied

Winning on the gsport Awards Stage was Life-Changing: Thato Makhafola

Once an a well-known track athlete, Thato Makhafola is now a successful charted accountant. Despite…

From East Coast surf missions to a QS win in Cape Town, Jessie van Niekerk is carving her way to the top of world surfing. All Photos: Supplied

From South Africa to Australia Jessie van Niekerk is Chasing Waves and Breaking Barriers

Jessie van Niekerk, a South African surfer resident in Australia, is making her mark on…

Remember the name, Eve Abrahams. The teenager is making waves in lifesaving and is set to become one of the code's known faces. At just 17 years old, she has already made history and, by the looks of it, she will be breaking more records shortly. All Photos: Supplied

Lifesaving Champ Eve Abrahams Wants to Raise the Sport’s Profile and Grow Inclusivity

Eve Abrahams, a teenager with Lifesaving literally coursing through her blood, hopes to raise the…

From playing hockey at age 6 to representing SA abroad, Bonolo Ramakarane’s journey is driven by passion, talent, and the legacy of her late grandparents. The Grade 9 learner needs assistance after she was selected to represent SA abroad. All Photos: Supplied

Bonolo Ramakarane: A Rising Star Chasing Her Hockey Dreams Abroad

From playing hockey at age 6 to representing SA abroad, Bonolo Ramakarane’s journey is driven…

Musa Mnisi pictured directing play for TS Galaxy during the weekend’s Hollywoodbets Super League in Weekend 12 fixtures. The Queens ran riot with an 8-0 demolition of Durban Ladies At Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal, with Nicole Michael and Leandra Smeda each bagged a brace, powering Sizwe Sibiya’s side to their biggest win of the season. All Photos: Supplied

Goals Galore and Statement Wins in Week 12 of the Hollywoodbets Super League

25 goals, big wins and breakout stars: Week 12 of the Hollywoodbets Super League had…

Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin said the squad is a reflection of the emerging talent within the women’s game, as well as a solid core of senior players, with many still in the hunt for a Rugby World Cup spot later in the season.

“We see this continental tournament in a very positive light, hence our decision to expand our playing experience and player base by selecting some of the best young talent in the country but also provide a backbone of experienced players who are still in Rugby World Cup contention,” said De Bruin.

“The tournament is a testing one, with short turnarounds against physical teams, but this is an ideal way to make sure we have a fit and able second line of selection options as well as giving some senior players valuable game time.”

Keneilwe Mathibela has come through the ranks, she’s been a player, the national women’s team captain, a coach, and a coach educator on her road to appointment by FIFA as it’s Coaching Education officer for the 54 countries in Africa. All Photos: Supplied

Keneilwe Mathibela: Called to Shape the Future of Football in Africa

Keneilwe Mathibela’s journey proves that purpose and people-first leadership can shape the future of football…

Captain of Telkom Netball League Contenders North West Flames, Martiné Jordaan, is a student-athlete pursuing Pharmaceutics at the North-West University, and embodies the kind of balance and composure that leaders strive for. All Photos: Supplied

Flames Skipper Martiné Jordaan Embodies Quiet Confidence and Principled Leadership

She may be quiet off court, but on court, Martiné Jordaan leads with heart and…

The future is bright, which is certainly the case for the University of Cape Town Women’s football team. Several players recently graduated with degrees as they look to further their careers on and off the pitch. gsport caught up with two players Isabella Kaombwe and Jesse-Leigh Nomdo, who shared their excitement at obtaining qualifications in various fields as they also make a name for themselves in football.  All Photos: Supplied

UCT Women’s FC Graduates Urge Young Athletes to Pursue Tertiary Qualifications

As UCT Women’s football players Isabella Kaombwe and Jesse-Leigh Nomdo bask in their glory after…

14-year old ITF Junior Tour competitor Lyndsey Phillips already has more than Tennis SA tournament 20 titles to her name, and the young prodigy is focussed on pursuing her dreams of becoming a tennis great as she forges her path in the sport. All Photos: Supplied

‘Tennis is More than a Sport to Me’ — 14 Year Old Prodigy Lyndsey Phillips

14-year old ITF Junior Tour competitor Lyndsey Phillips already has more than 20 Tennis SA…

Chief Director of Maties Sport, Ilhaam Groenewald believes that creating leadership pathways is essential to ensuring that women take up leadership positions in sport. All Photos: Supplied

Ilhaam Groenewald a Fierce Champion for Women Leaders in Sport

Maties Sport Chief Director Ilhaam Groenewald has established a reputation as a fierce champion of…

Former Proteas stalwart Precious Mthembu is shaping the future of South African netball as she guides the team’s preparation for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar. All Photos: Supplied

Precious Mthembu is Hands On as U19 World Cup Preparations Move Up a Gear

From playing in the green and gold to now coach of the Baby Proteas, the…

While the team will be in Madagascar, De Bruin and Laurian Johannes-Haupt will look after 20 players at a position-specific camp in Stellenbosch, with the focus on the Tests against Canada and the international friendlies against the Black Ferns XV.

“All of this is part of the wider Rugby World Cup preparations and decided upon by the management in our early planning stages,” said De Bruin. “Our progress on that is good and I think we are onto something special.”

On Qolo’s selection as captain, De Bruin said: “Anathi has been a wonderful asset to our team since she joined last year and one of the natural leaders in the group. Her rugby intelligence and willingness to work for the team and her obvious ability as an outstanding lineout jumper are additions to her natural leadership qualities.”

The team will assemble in Johannesburg on 28 May before heading east to Madagascar.

Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Fixtures

7 June: Uganda (12h00)
11 June: Kenya (12h00)
15 June: Madagascar (14h00)

CAT times, all matches at Stade Makis, Antananarivo

Springbok Women Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2025 Squad

Props

Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions) – 5 caps, 0 points
Sinothile Bhengu (Sharks Women) – uncapped
Amanda Ndlovu (Sharks Women) – uncapped
Anuchka Ekron (DHL Western Province) uncapped
Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies) – 1 cap, 0 points

Hookers

Luchell Hanekom (DHL Western Province) – 4 caps, 0 points
Roseline Botes (DHL Western Province) – 21 caps, 45 points (9 tries)
Anushka Groenewald (DHL Western Province) – uncapped

Locks

Anathi Qolo – captain (Bulls Daisies) – 6 caps, 0 points
Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) – 4 caps, 0 points
Dineo Ndlhovu (Bulls Daisies) – uncapped

Loose Forwards

Nompumelelo Mathe (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 20 caps; 25 points (5 tries)
Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks Women) – uncapped
Bronishia Hess (DHL Western Province) – uncapped
Faith Tshauke (Bulls Daisies) – uncapped
Lerato Makua (Bulls Daisies) – 10 caps, 0 points

Scrumhalves

Unam Tose (Bulls Daisies)- 23 caps, 5 points (1 try)
Felicia Jacobs (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 7 caps, 15 points (3 tries)
Insaaf Levy (DHL Western Province) – uncapped

Flyhalves

Mary Zulu (Sharks Women) – 12 caps, 14 points (7 conversions)
Anja le Roux (DHL Western Province) – uncapped

Centres

Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies) – 24 caps, 40 points (8 tries)
Simamkele Namba (Springbok Women’s Sevens) – 11 caps, 40 points (8 tries)
Leigh Fortuin (DHL Western Province) – uncapped

Outside Backs

Chuma Qawe (Bulls Daisies) – 11 caps, 0 points
Byrhandrѐ Dolf (Bulls Daisies) – 17 caps, 15 points (3 tries)
Patience Mokone (Bulls Daisies) – uncapped
Nomawethu Mabenge (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 18 caps, 70 points (14 tries)

Management

Bafana Nhleko (coach)
Franzel September (coach)
Zwonaka Mbedzi (analyst)
Dr. Moshe Magethi (team doctor)
Lezane Ward (physiotherapist)
Thandiswa Nxomani (team manager)

Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport

Main Photo Caption: Anathi Qolo will lead the Springbok Women to Madagascar, where they will defend their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title next month against Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar. The three Tests will all be played at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, on 7, 11 and 15 June 2025, respectively. File Photo: Gallo Images / SA Rugby

Crédito: Link de origem

You might also like More from author
Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.