Former Border women’s rugby captain Zintle Mpupha is set to make her debut for the national women’s sevens team in China next week.
The team left last night for the Hong Kong leg of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series qualifier which will kick off on Thursday.
South Africa will open the tournament with a clash against Colombia before turning their attention to Italy and Papua New Guinea in their remaining pool games.
The sensational Mphupha, who led an all-conquering Border team last year, said being part of the national team set-up was great.
The more experienced players have been giving her advice on how to improve her game and encouraging her, she said.
“It feels good being in a national team because its every athletes’ dream. However, there is a lot of pressure because I represent an entire country now, not just a province,” said an overjoyed Mpupha.
Border women’s rugby head Mandisa Williams, who also played for the women’s national fifteens side and the Sevens, said Mphupha has what it takes to represent the country.
“It’s tough there but I wish the team all the best,” she said.
“They just need to play with all the confidence they possess, play their own game, which will enable them to play their best and they must also know our energy is with them.”
Following full recovery from captain Veroeshka Grain, who had a knee injury, Zenay Jordaan (back) and Nadine Roos, who was nursing a hand injury, the South Africans go into the tournament with no injury worries.
Coach Renfred Dazel is pleased with the return of his injured players.
“Veroeshka and Zenay are women’s rugby stalwarts and will add immense experience and skill to the team, while Nadine burst onto the scene last year and has been a key figure in the squad,” said Dazel.
The team is: Megan Comley, Phumeza Gadu, Veroeshka Grain (captain), Zenay Jordaan, Jacqueline Kriel, Nomsa Mokwai, Zintle Mpupha, Marithy Pienaar, Nadine Roos, Mathrin Simmers, Chané Stadler and Christelene Steinhobel.
Border’s Mpupha ready to shine for SA
The team left last night for the Hong Kong leg of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series qualifier which will kick off on Thursday.
South Africa will open the tournament with a clash against Colombia before turning their attention to Italy and Papua New Guinea in their remaining pool games.
The sensational Mphupha, who led an all-conquering Border team last year, said being part of the national team set-up was great.
The more experienced players have been giving her advice on how to improve her game and encouraging her, she said.
“It feels good being in a national team because its every athletes’ dream. However, there is a lot of pressure because I represent an entire country now, not just a province,” said an overjoyed Mpupha.
Border women’s rugby head Mandisa Williams, who also played for the women’s national fifteens side and the Sevens, said Mphupha has what it takes to represent the country.
“It’s tough there but I wish the team all the best,” she said.
“They just need to play with all the confidence they possess, play their own game, which will enable them to play their best and they must also know our energy is with them.”
Following full recovery from captain Veroeshka Grain, who had a knee injury, Zenay Jordaan (back) and Nadine Roos, who was nursing a hand injury, the South Africans go into the tournament with no injury worries.
Coach Renfred Dazel is pleased with the return of his injured players.
“Veroeshka and Zenay are women’s rugby stalwarts and will add immense experience and skill to the team, while Nadine burst onto the scene last year and has been a key figure in the squad,” said Dazel.
The team is: Megan Comley, Phumeza Gadu, Veroeshka Grain (captain), Zenay Jordaan, Jacqueline Kriel, Nomsa Mokwai, Zintle Mpupha, Marithy Pienaar, Nadine Roos, Mathrin Simmers, Chané Stadler and Christelene Steinhobel.
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