A strong group of 26 players will gather in Stellenbosch on Saturday as the first South African U18 Girls squad was named for two matches against a touring side from the Netherlands later this month.
The squad was chosen at the end of the U18 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp for girls, which was held in Riebeek Kasteel this week. The two matches will take place on 12 and 16 December.
Former Springbok speedster Jongi Nokwe from Western Province has been appointed as the team’s head coach, with Aneesah Adams (Maties / WP) and Lesego Malebadi (UJ / Lions) named as his assistants.
“This is a big development in our women’s programme, and to see the excitement amongst the girls, and the enormous amounts of hard work they put in this week, bodes well for the future,” said Nokwe.
“We can’t wait to get stuck in with this squad and start working towards the two matches. It’s going to be tough, but everyone involved is ready for this challenge, which is also a wonderful opportunity for the players and management alike.”
The squad will be based at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) and the matches will be played at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Markötter Stadium.
SA U18 Girls squad:
Forwards: Isipho Dungelo (WP), Masizana Orie (EP), Likhona Masiza (WP), Mivuyo Pawuli (WP), Nokulinda Makhubela (Pumas), Asive Gaqa (WP), Chuma Isaac (EP), Hlekane Baloyi (Bulls), Keesha Cloete (Boland), Ambesiwe Pontshi (Border), Vuyiswa Ngwenya (Pumas), Sinelizwei Rasmeni (WP), Palesa Matee (WP), Lindokuhle Nxawe (Border).
Backs: Danica Pypers (WP), Likhona Dyani (EP), Lukhanye Lolo (EP), Nailha Jansen (SWD), Julene Hass (EP), Nodumiso Molusi (Lions), Chanice Scholtz (EP), Nadelean Leeuskieter (EP), Nuha Levy (WP), Coby Mentoor (WP), Jessie Schoeman (WP), Anitha Fazi (WP).