Qolo embraces Springbok Women's leadership role ahead of Africa Cup

SPRINGBOK Women's skipper Anathi Qolo said being handed the armband for the 2025 Rugby Women's Africa Cup in Madagascar helped unlock hidden leadership potential.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

The Bulls Daisies lock will guide the SA team in the defence of their title at Stade Makis in Antananarivo that kicks off with today's clash against Uganda (noon kickoff). Kenya and Madagascar are the other two teams taking part in the tournament.

“I never thought that I have leadership skills in me until I got this opportunity to lead this brilliant pack," Qolo told Independent Media Sport exclusively this week.

The number of experienced players included in the squad named yesterday will surely only help the new skipper find her feet. Qolo will captain a Springbok Women's side with a combined 174 caps in their opener against Uganda, with three uncapped players — Patience Mokone (wing), Faith Tshauke (No 8) and Anushka Groenewald (flanker) — included in the starting team for the Test at Stade Makis.

A further five uncapped players have been named on the replacements’ bench in props Anuchka Ekron and Sinothile Bhengu, lock Dineo Ndlhovu, flanker Nobuhle Mjwara and centre Leigh Fortuin.