South Africa, the top seeds in the Rugby Africa Women’s seven-a-side tournament to be hosted by Ghana in Accra from November 9-10, 2024 have named two uncapped players in their team.

Coach Renfred Denzel called up Leigh Fortuin and Nampumelelo Mathe to join an experienced squad that has five players who were included in the 15’s team for the recent WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town, South Africa. The fine players are Ayanda Malinga, Zintle Mpupha, Felicia Jacobs, Maria Tshiremba and Nadine Roos.

Kenya Lionesses, the second seeds have also named seven players from Impala Roans and three from Nakuru RFC in a squad that has debutant Faith Livoi from Mwamba RFC. 

Uganda’s Lady Cranes have retained nine of the players who were in Machakos for the 26th Safari Sevens tournament. Peace Lekuru shall continue to wear the armband in this team that has seven players who also featured in the World Rugby Repechage Olympic qualifier in Monaco in May.

Zimbabwe who have been drawn in Pool A with South Africa, Tunisia and Burkina Faso also named their side. The Lady Cheetahs will be coached by Cyprian Mandenge.

Confirmed squads

South Africa: Leigh Fortuin, Kemisetso Baloyi, Ayanda Malinga, Zintle Mpupha, Nampumelelo Mathe, Felicia Jacobs, Maria Tshiremba, Shiniqwa Lampretch, Nadine Roos, Mathrin Simmers (captain), Zandile Masuku, Liske Lategan.

Kenya Lionesses: Sheila Chajira (captain), Christabel Lindo. Faith Livoi, Stella Wafula, Diana Awino, Moreen Muritu, Sinaida Mokaya, Diana Kemunto, Judith Auma, Drake Adhiambo, Sharon Juma, Freshia Oduor.

Uganda Lady Cranes: Peace Lekuru (captain), Grace Nabaggala, Unity Namulala, Grace Auma, Maimuna Nasozi, Janat Nandudu, Tina Molly Okello, Lona Sandra Amoli, Getrude Junior Kateesa, Faziira Namukwaya, Yvonne Najjuma (Thunderbirds), Lydia Namabiro.

Zimbabwe’s Lady Cheetahs: Wadzanai Chidawa, Rubidzai Chigumbu, Cleopatra Kadimu, Erika Mack, Caroline Malenga, Ruvimbo Mudyanadzo, Delight Mukomondo, Tarren Munodaani, Constance Ngwende, Pauline Sianga, Rufaro Tagarira, Kudzai Wasili; Non-traveling reserves: Marilyn Migire, Langalenkonsi Ncube.

Officials: Cyprian Mandenge (Head Coach), Lucky Sithole (Assistant Coach), Anne Tendai Butau (Physiotherapist), Vivienne Theresa Manuel (Team Manager)

Ivory Coast: Evelyn Koume, Adeline Lamoine, Awa Dayo, Vanille Lokpo, Ferata Sekongo, Nolan Nangbo, Mariam Sylla, Julie Bleu, Aicha Berte, Mariam Zon, Fatoumata Cisse, Nambalo Cisse.

Tunisia: Rosla Ati, Oumayma Dziri, Ranim Maddouri, Lamia Mlawah. Zahra Chtioui, Yasmine Korbi, Nour Ayari, Zahra Haddaji, Ahed Ragoubi, Samen Lahouel, Yasmine Jlassi and Habiba Lefi.

Ghana: Anita Halm, Haruna Nimatu, Barkisu Mumuni, Jamila Awal, Paulina Mensah, Radha Arthur, Racheal Tawia, Shiela Tettey, Mary Plange, Grace Aduntira, Patience Musah, Kadija Adams, Rafatu Inusah (Team Manager), Marvin Chirume (Coach), Jaffrey Chiwanda (Assistant coach), Sanim Issah (Doctor).

The draw for the Africa Women’s Sevens tournament

Pool A: South Africa, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso

Pool B: Kenya, Madagascar, Ghana, Mauritius

Pool C: Uganda, Zambia, Senegal, Ivory Coast

Match schedule

Zambia v Senegal, Uganda v Ivory Coast, Madagascar v Ghana, Kenya v Mauritius, Tunisia v Zimbabwe, South Africa v Burkina Faso, Zambia v Ivory Coast, Uganda v Senegal, Madagascar v Mauritius, Kenya v Ghana, Tunisia v Burkina Faso, South Africa v Zimbabwe, Senegal v Ivory Coast, Uganda v Zambia, Kenya v Madagascar, Zimbabwe v Burkina Faso, South Africa v Tunisia, Ghana v Mauritius.Cup quarter finals: B1 v Best 3rd, C1 v A2, B2 v C2, A1 v 2nd best 3rd.