The Springbok Women team has faced the need to restructure the defensive line due to the injury of veteran Zintle Mpofu. However, coach Franzel September views this setback as an important stimulus within South Africa's broader plan to prepare for the 2029 Rugby World Cup.
Mpofu sustained an ankle injury during a tough match against the Black Ferns last week. This rules her out of the upcoming three-match European tour, which will be part of the new WXV Global Series. In her place, coaches September and Lorian Johannes-Haupt have called up 20-year-old sensation from Bulls Daisies, Naima Khatshawyo, who is an explosive talent. Earlier this year, she established herself on the international stage by scoring two touchdowns in three matches of the African Women's Rugby Cup.
September noted: 'It was a shame to lose Zintle, but at the same time, it creates a great opportunity for Naima. Naima has always been part of our plans within the bigger picture. She recovered from an injury after Kenya, and it's great to rely on players who have already shown us their abilities.'
Tour Match Schedule
The tour will begin with a match against Wales in Cardiff on September 18, followed by games against Italy in Pordenone on September 26 and Spain in Seville on October 4. After this, the South Africans will return home to play two matches against Ireland in Cape Town on October 24 and 31.
For September, the WXV series represents an ideal platform for honing the team's skills against Northern Hemisphere opponents while keeping long-term goals in focus. He emphasized: 'If we win, we will gain excellent momentum, so the priority is to go there, perform, and win. Nevertheless, this is also part of our campaign for the 2029 World Cup—giving athletes game time and building squad depth. We felt we needed to play against stronger opponents, and now we are getting that.'
September believes the team can maintain the good form demonstrated this year. He added: 'We won six out of eight matches played this year, but now we are entering the WXV Global Series, where we play against the best of the best. We welcome this challenge. Every match matters and will represent significant international rugby every year, and that is what makes participating in this global spectacle so exciting.'
Springbok Women Squad for WXV Global Series
The squad for the backline (13 players) includes Libby Yanse van Rensburg, Bayrandri Dolf, Afife Ngvevu, Unam Tose, Jackie Silliers, Ayanda Malinga, Masela Samboya, Alichia Arries, Naima Khatshawyo, Patience Mokone, Shinkwa Lemprecht, Anakadia Minnar, and Maria Tshiremba. The forwards (17 players) feature Bablwa Latsha (captain), Yonela Ngxingolo, Lindelva Gwala, Sizophila Solontsi, Aseza Hele, Sanelisive Charlie, Kathia Jacobs, Wainah Ubisi, Danelle Lochner, Lerato Makua, Nomsa Mokway, Mikke Gunther, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Anushka Groenwald, Sinelita Noxeke, and Logan Velman.
