Anathi Qolo to Lead Springbok Women in Africa Cup Title Defence in Madagascar
The Springbok Women have named Anathi Qolo as captain for their upcoming Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title defence in Madagascar this June. They’ll take on Uganda, Kenya, and the hosts. The 27-year-old lock will guide a 28-player squad. The team aims to retain their crown and build towards the Rugby World Cup later this year.
Anathi Qolo: A Journey of Growth and Leadership
Qolo’s rugby journey is rooted in the Eastern Cape. She came through the Border Youth Training Centre and represented her province at both Under-16 and Under-18 Girls Weeks. She debuted for the Border Ladies in 2018. Later, she moved to Pretoria in 2019 to join the Bulls Daisies, where she has since made over 50 appearances.
Born in Queenstown and a former learner at Sandisiwe High School in Mdantsane, Qolo made her Test debut against Spain in Valladolid last year. Since then, she’s earned six caps, featuring in major fixtures including the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup and WXV 2 tournaments in 2024. She also played in a return Test against Spain in Alicante.
Her leadership appointment makes her the 11th woman to captain the national side since their first Test match in 2004.
A Balanced Squad with Emerging Talent
Qolo will lead a squad filled with both experienced campaigners and promising newcomers. Twelve players are uncapped at Test level, but most have already represented South Africa in other formats. These include Junior Springbok Women or the national Sevens side.
Scrumhalf Insaaf Levy from Western Province is the only uncapped player who hasn’t come through any of the national pathways. However, she has donned the green and gold in touch rugby.
The backs feature Leigh Fortuin and Patience Mokone, who recently turned out for the Springbok Women’s Sevens in Los Angeles. Among the forwards, Bronishia Hess, Dineo Ndhlovu, Sinothile Bengu, Anuchka Ekron, and Anushka Groenewald have all impressed at junior level.
Experience Matters
There’s a strong core of seasoned internationals who have previously played in Madagascar and even at the 2022 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Names like Chuma Qawe, Nomawethu Mabenge, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Simamkele Namba, Unam Tose, and Roseline Botes bring stability and composure to the squad.
The coaching team, headed by assistants Bafana Nhleko and Franzel September, is keen to use this tournament to broaden the squad’s depth. This is ahead of the global showpiece.
Performance coach Swys de Bruin underlined the strategic value of the continental tournament: “This is not only about defending our title but ensuring we test our depth. We’re mixing youthful energy with seasoned professionals to prepare a solid foundation for the World Cup.”
Preparing for Bigger Battles
While the match squad travels to Madagascar, a separate training group of 20 players will remain in Stellenbosch under De Bruin and Laurian Johannes-Haupt. Their focus will be preparation for upcoming matches against Canada and the Black Ferns XV.
De Bruin had high praise for Anathi Qolo. He called her “a natural leader with excellent rugby awareness and set-piece strength” and a player whose presence lifts those around her.
The team assembles in Johannesburg on 28 May before departing for Antananarivo.
Springbok Women Fixtures at Stade Makis (SA Times):
- 7 June: vs Uganda (12:00)
- 11 June: vs Kenya (12:00)
- 15 June: vs Madagascar (14:00)
The Springbok Women are poised to shine once again on African soil. They have a captain and squad that reflect depth, diversity, and determination growing within the women’s game in our country.
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