Despite a tough weekend in Dubai, Coach Cecil Afrika praises the team’s growth, adaptability, and determination as they navigate high-intensity matches and overcome setbacks.
Dubai (02 December 2025) – The Springbok Women’s Sevens ‘A’ side may not have left Dubai with a trophy, but they are coming home with something far more valuable: growth and a renewed hunger to compete at an international level.
Playing at the Emirates Dubai 7s, Cecil Afrika said the weekend gave the squad exactly what they needed: experience under pressure.
“We started a bit slow on day one to be honest, but as the matches accumulated, the players really responded in a positive way. The growth over the weekend was great. That was exactly what we came here for.”
The team showed noticeable improvement with every match. Despite facing tough moments, including having to defend for most of the first half against Brazil and a yellow card for Shannon-Lee Windvogel. They held their composure and stayed competitive.
What stood out most was how the players adapted. Many arrived in Dubai with limited international experience, but by the end of the tournament, they were more confident and comfortable with the pace and physicality of top-level sevens rugby.
Coach Afrika praised their response.
“I am pleased about the growth and their ability to handle the intensity at this level. Of course they made mistakes under pressure as well, but that was part of the bigger plan. The way they responded was exactly what I hoped for.”
The side had to compete without their most experienced player, Liske Lategan, who fell ill and was unable to play during the final two days. Despite that setback, the remaining squad members stepped up and embraced the challenge.
The team returned to Stellenbosch on Monday and immediately got back to work. Training resumes today, and on Wednesday, they will have the chance to train alongside the Canadian Women, an opportunity to test themselves against world-class opposition.
This Dubai trip may not have ended with medals, but it served its purpose, experience gained and lessons learned.
View this post on Instagram
Sources: SA Rugby
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 