The 28-player squad announced for the tournament features a strong mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent, with nine uncapped players earning an opportunity to impress on the Test stage.
South Africa will face Uganda, Madagascar and hosts Kenya between 23 and 31 May at the RFUEA Sports Grounds.
Qolo heads into the tournament after captaining the Isuzu Bulls Daisies to another Pick n Pay Women’s Super League title, continuing her impressive leadership run at both domestic and international level.
While several Rugby World Cup players remain in Stellenbosch for conditioning and preparation camps, the Africa Cup will give returning and new players valuable international exposure ahead of a demanding 2026 season.
Assistant coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September will oversee the squad in Kenya, with Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin staying behind to continue preparations for upcoming Test matches against the USA and New Zealand.
The 28-player squad announced for the tournament features a strong mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent, with nine uncapped players earning an opportunity to impress on the Test stage.
South Africa will face Uganda, Madagascar and hosts Kenya between 23 and 31 May at the RFUEA Sports Grounds.
Qolo heads into the tournament after captaining the Isuzu Bulls Daisies to another Pick n Pay Women’s Super League title, continuing her impressive leadership run at both domestic and international level.
While several Rugby World Cup players remain in Stellenbosch for conditioning and preparation camps, the Africa Cup will give returning and new players valuable international exposure ahead of a demanding 2026 season.
Assistant coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September will oversee the squad in Kenya, with Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin staying behind to continue preparations for upcoming Test matches against the USA and New Zealand.
Springbok Women squad:
Props:
Yonela Ngxingolo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 39 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women) – 9 caps, 0 points
Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies) – 9 caps, 0 points
Thandile Mazwi (DHL Western Province) – uncapped
Sanelisiwe Charlie (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 29 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
Anuschka Ekron (DHL Western Province) – 3 caps, 0 points
Hookers:
Roseline Botes (DHL Western Province) – 24 caps, 8 tries (40 points)
Anushka Groenewald (DHL Western Province) – 3 caps, 0 points
Locks:
Abigail Smit (DHL Western Province) – uncapped
Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) – 13 caps, 0 points
Anathi Qolo (captain, Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 11 caps, 5 points (1 try)
Zethu Gcaza (Border Ladies) – uncapped
Loose forwards:
Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks Women) – 3 caps, 5 points (1 try)
Faith Tshauke (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 4 caps, 15 points (3 tries)
Sinelitha Noxeke (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 2 caps, 0 points
Ntsako Mbombi (Golden Lions Women) – uncapped
Logan Welman (DHL Western Province) – uncapped
Scrumhalves:
Insaaf Levy (DHL Western Province) – uncapped
Anacadia Minnaar (EP Queens) – 3 caps, 3 points (1 penalty goal)
Flyhalves:
Mary Zulu (Sharks Women) – 15 caps, 40 points (20 conversions)
Thami Yeko (EP Queens) – uncapped
Inside backs:
Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies) – 30 caps, 70 points (14 tries)
Jakkie Cilliers (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 21 caps, 103 points (9 tries, 23 conversions, 4 penalty goals)
Naima Hlatshwayo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – uncapped
Outside backs:
Nomawethu Mabenge (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 21 caps, 80 points (16 tries)
Alichia Arries (DHL Western Province) – 2 caps, 0 points
Shaunique Alexander (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – uncapped
Chuma Qawe (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 14 caps, 2 points (1 conversion)