Northampton and York may be oceans apart from Antananarivo, but for the Springbok Women, their arrival in MadaThe Springbok Women team is clear on what is required of them as they focus on starting the defence of their continental title against Uganda, at the Stade Makis, Antananarivo in Madagascar on Saturday, 7 June 2025.
Northampton and York may be oceans apart from Antananarivo, but for the Springbok Women, their arrival in Madagascar’s capital on Wednesday is all part of the journey to the destination Rugby World Cup in England in August and September.
For the coaching staff, it is all about consistency – not only on the field, but off it as well – in order to do justice to the well-planned structure of their 2025 season, something Springbok Women assistant coach Bafana Nhleko said is very important.
“We are building a spine, so consistency is key to our performance and theme,” Nhleko said soon after the team touched down in Madagascar.
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South Africa kick off their campaign against Uganda on Saturday, and Nhleko and fellow coach Franzel September arrived on the back of a solid week of preparations by the squad in Johannesburg.
The most experienced of those 28 players is Aphiwe Ngwevu, who has played in 24 Tests, including last year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, where the Springbok Women qualified for the Rugby World Cup as continental champions.
Ngwevu’s role will be instrumental to the consistency the coaches are looking for, and for the Border Ladies player, it is something she is looking forward to.
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“This tournament is important to me and to the team,” said Ngwevu.
“I must prove myself in my position and make sure I play my role as a centre, cross the advantage line and provide forward momentum for our attack.”
Springbok Women’s Aphiwe Ngwevu
The Bok Women’s midfielder had to overcome setbacks before, and her inclusion into the 2022 Rugby World Cup squad came with huge personal challenges, so she does not mind doing it all over again: “This trip will not be easy, but we will do our best and bring our physical game as always.”
Ngwevu delivered a charging performance in the team’s last Test, against Spain in Bonalba, and was named player of the match after impressive work on attack and defence.
She had a 100% completion rate on defence and her 12 ball carries gained 110 metres, with six defenders beaten, but she is looking ahead rather than living in the past: “I can only give my best and leave nothing out there. The rest is not in my control.”
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)
Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Player of the Match in their recent away win against Spain, Springbok Women centre Aphiwe Ngwevu is clear on what is required of her, as the team focusses on starting the defence of their continental title against Uganda at the at Stade Makis, Antananarivo in Madagascar on Saturday, 7 June 2025. File Photo: Gallo Images / SA Rugby
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