By Levy Masiteng
The Springbok Women’s fifth successive Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title has shifted attention to next month’s two-Test home series against the United States, their next major test after another unbeaten continental campaign.
South Africa beat hosts Kenya 35-20 in the tournament decider at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi on Sunday, to retain their African crown and reaffirm their dominance on the continent.
The victory came as the team continues to build momentum ahead of tougher international assignments, including the July Tests against the USA in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
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The Springbok Women, currently ranked 10th in the world, will face a United States side ranked eighth, giving South Africa an opportunity to measure their progress against higher-ranked opposition.
Playing in front of a passionate Kenyan crowd, the South Africans were made to work hard for their triumph.
Despite taking an early lead through winger Alichia Arries, the Springbok Women found themselves trailing 8-7 at halftime after Kenya capitalised on key opportunities.
The visitors responded strongly after the break, producing a decisive third-quarter surge.
Tries by centre Naima Hlatshwayo, No. 8 Logan Welman and winger Jakkie Cilliers helped South Africa take control of the contest before replacement Ntsako Mbombi crossed the line after the final hooter to seal the victory.
Cilliers also added two conversions and two penalties as the Springbok Women finished worthy champions.
Kenya refused to surrender and kept the contest alive through tries by Faith Livoi, Knight Otuoma and Sinaida Mokaya, but the South Africans held their nerve to secure the continental crown.
The victory marked South Africa’s fifth successive Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title and capped an unbeaten campaign in Nairobi, where the Springbok Women also beat Madagascar 64-5 and Uganda 47-20.
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“This remarkable achievement by the Springbok Women is not only a victory for women’s rugby, but a proud moment for South Africa as a whole. To secure a fifth consecutive continental title, particularly away from home against determined opposition, speaks to the resilience, discipline and excellence that this team continues to embody,” said Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe.
She said the team’s success reflected its resilience, determination and growing stature within international rugby, while reaffirming South Africa’s continued excellence on the African sporting stage.
Mabe added that the Springbok Women’s ability to overcome a highly competitive Kenyan side on their home soil demonstrated the discipline, commitment and fighting spirit that continue to define South African sport at the highest level.
“Victories of this nature extend far beyond the sporting field. They serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in women’s sport and creating pathways that enable female athletes to thrive and compete on the global stage,” Mabe said.
