Head coach Cecil Afrika believes his side is now far better equipped to compete when they take the field next weekend at Estadio José Zorrilla in northern Spain.
South Africa endured a difficult first leg in Hong Kong, finishing 12th out of 12 teams after losing several key players to injury shortly before departure. The squad had little time to regroup, forcing Afrika to introduce inexperienced players at the last minute. Despite those setbacks, the team still produced moments of promise, including a memorable victory over Great Britain, which has since boosted belief within the camp.
With a full month to prepare for the upcoming tournament in Valladolid, Afrika says the squad has shown significant growth both mentally and tactically.
“There is a massive difference between our preparations for Hong Kong and where we are now,” Afrika explained. “We were forced into changes at the last minute before Hong Kong, but this time we’ve had valuable time together as a group. The confidence and belief in the squad has grown tremendously.”
The return of versatile player Vianca Boer provides a timely boost for the South Africans, while the inclusion of speedster Patience Mokone adds extra attacking firepower. Although neither player has featured at the highest level of the SVNS series before, both impressed in the Challenger Series and SVNS 2 tournaments earlier this season.
Afrika believes their performances on the international circuit have prepared them for the intensity awaiting in Europe.
“Patience has shown she can score tries and influence matches, while Vianca’s understanding of the game continues to improve,” he said. “The pace and intensity will be challenging, but I have full confidence in what they can bring to the team.”
South Africa face a difficult Pool B assignment against Australia, the USA and Fiji, but Afrika insists the goal remains qualification for the knockout stages and improving their overall world ranking.
The squad will also carry extra motivation following the injury to Asisipho Plaatjies, who ruptured her Achilles tendon in Hong Kong and is expected to miss the remainder of the year. Plaatjies joins Nadine Roos, Liske Lategan, Simamkele Namba and Shannon-Lee Windvogel on the growing injury list for 2026.
Despite those setbacks, the mood in camp remains upbeat as the Springbok Women’s Sevens prepare to depart for Spain on Sunday, determined to turn lessons from Hong Kong into a stronger performance on the world stage.