After Conquering Africa Again, Bok Women’s Sevens Aim to Climb the Global Ladder in Dubai

South Africa meets Mexico on Saturday, January 17 at 09:06 (GMT+2 / local SA time) for the HSBC Division 3 Tournament in Dubai, UAE.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa –  After successfully defending their Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens title in Kenya in November 2025 in style, the Springbok Women’s Sevens are ready to take on the world in Dubai this weekend, Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18. The tournament marks their first step towards reclaiming their place at the top table via the SVNS Division 3 Tournament.

Victory in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, two months ago secured South Africa’s qualification for SVNS Division Three, where they have been drawn in Pool A alongside Mexico, Czechia and Thailand.

With only the two finalists in Dubai on Sunday earning promotion to SVNS 2 in Kenya, the stakes are high for the women from southern Africa.

“The biggest pressure is, of course, qualifying for the world series,” South Africa captain Nadine Roos told the SA Rugby website.

“This is not only important for sustaining the current Sevens programme, but also for shaping its future in South Africa. It’s about more than just qualifying – it’s about building a structure that ensures long-term success.”

South Africa won a record 13th continental title in Kenya last November, sweeping to victory without conceding a single point throughout the entire tournament.

The challenge will be far tougher in Dubai this weekend, where the Bok Women Sevens launch their quest to re-establish themselves among the world’s leading teams in the shorter format of the game.

Their African experience, they believe, will stand them in good stead.

“Looking at the squad, it is similar to the one that competed in the Africa Cup, where we went undefeated in a must-win environment,” said Roos.

“We are aware of the pressure we faced during that tournament, so we are prepared to absorb whatever pressure comes our way this time. We are a team that flows well; we know exactly what is expected of us, and we have a job to execute.

“As a group, we have set our goals, and the ultimate objective is to win the tournament. However, we are very process-driven, so our immediate focus is on the opening match against Mexico. We want to set a high standard in that first game.”

Playing in Dubai is always a pleasant experience for South African teams, who can rely on strong support from compatriots based in the region.

“An added bonus for us is the fact that there are a lot of South Africans in that region, so hopefully they will come out and support the team and the ladies again. That will be a huge boost for us,” added the experienced playmaker.

Head coach Cecil Afrika has opted for continuity, naming the exact same squad that lifted the African title in Nairobi last November.

Afrika, an iconic former South African men’s Sevens player, believes the squad is reaping the rewards of their commitment.

“The players sacrificed a lot over the last couple of weeks, training while everyone else was seemingly having a break or enjoying some downtime,” said Afrika.

“They all know what is at stake, and I cannot fault the effort of everyone involved. The 12 players selected now have to go and do the job on behalf of the whole group, and with the experience in the squad, I am confident we have what it takes.

“Our focus is on our standards and processes. We know what we need to do and how to get there, as long as we stay focused.”

Springbok Women’s Sevens squad for Dubai:

1. Leigh Fortuin
2. Asisipho Plaatjies
3. Patience Mokone
4. Zintle Mpupha
5. Maria Tshiremba
6. Nadine Roos (captain)
7. Byrhandré Dolf
8. Liske Lategan
9. Simamkele Namba
10. Vianca Boer
11. Shiniqwa Lamprecht
12. Ayanda Malinga

More information: Click Here

Where to watch?

Supersport: Channel 951/Variety 2

Match Day 1: Saturday 17 January 2026 (SA Time) (GMT+2)

• 09:06 – South Africa v Mexico
• 12:22 – South Africa v Czechia
• 15:38 – South Africa v Thailand

Match Day 2: Sunday 18 January 2026 (SA Time) (GMT+2)

• TBD

Written by Enock Muchinjo