Swys de Bruin has recalled experienced duo Sizophila Solontsi and Nomawethu Mabenge as the Springbok Women ramp up preparations for their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title defence in Kenya.
The pair are among 36 players invited to a training camp in Stellenbosch starting on 10 May, with De Bruin set to trim the squad to 28 before the team departs for Nairobi on 20 May.
South Africa will begin their campaign against Madagascar on 23 May before facing Uganda and hosts Kenya as they chase another continental crown at the RFUEA Grounds.
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Solontsi missed the previous training camp after suffering a head knock during the Women’s Super League final in Pretoria, while Mabenge has been recovering from a knee injury in Stellenbosch, where she also trained with the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad.
Sevens player Lerato Makua has also been invited into the wider training group.
De Bruin said the returning players would add another layer of intensity as competition for places heats up ahead of the tournament.
“I was very impressed with the new players that came into camp earlier this month and keen to continue the work we have done with them,” said De Bruin.
“The new players we’ve invited will add that extra layer of intensity that we will need in Kenya next month.
“I hope the invited players will make it very tough for me to select the final group to travel.”
The Rugby Africa Women’s Cup will form part of a massive season for the Springbok Women, who are currently ranked 10th in the world and continue building towards bigger global ambitions under De Bruin.
Springbok Women training squad:
Luchell Hanekom, Roseline Botes, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Logan Welman, Abigail Smit, Thandile Mazwi, Anothando Khatshwa, Babalwa Latsha, Anushka Groenewald, Insaaf Levy, Alichia Arries, Nomsa Mokwai, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Ntsako Mbombi, Mary Zulu, Nobuhle Mjwara, Lindelwa Gwala, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Zethu Gcaza, Siphenathi Yeko, Anacadia Minnaar, Nomawethu Mabenge, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Vainah Ubisi, Anathi Qolo, Faith Tshauke, Sinelitha Noxeke, Unam Tose, Jakkie Cilliers, Naima Hlatshwayo, Chuma Qawe, Shaunique Alexander, Sizophila Solontsi, Lerato Makua.
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
The post Injury-hit stars return for Bok Women appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Swys de Bruin has recalled experienced duo Sizophila Solontsi and Nomawethu Mabenge as the Springbok Women ramp up preparations for their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title defence in Kenya.
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