Veterans Recalled as Cecil Afrika Names Reshuffled BlitzBok Women Squad for Hong Kong World Championship

Zintle Mpupha and Eloise Webb return to the BlitzBok Women's squad for the Hong Kong SVNS World Championship as Cecil Afrika navigates an injury crisis.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 5:06 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Reinforcements Arrive Ahead of the Far East Challenge

The BlitzBok Women have received a timely injection of experience with the return of Zintle Mpupha and Eloise Webb to the national sevens setup. Following their recent participation in the domestic 15-a-side final in Pretoria, both players have been integrated back into the shorter format to lead a squad transitioning through a period of personnel instability. According to head coach Cecil Afrika, the inclusion of these veterans is a calculated move to stabilize a group that is preparing to compete on one of the sport's most prestigious global stages in Hong Kong next weekend.

Navigating a Severe Medical Crisis

The selection process for the Far East trip was heavily dictated by a series of unfortunate medical setbacks following the team's recent campaign in Brazil. The squad’s depth is being tested to its limit, with five key players currently sidelined, including captain and leading point-scorer Nadine Roos, who is unavailable for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. With other regulars like Liske Lategan and Shannon-Lee Windvogel also recovering from recent surgeries, the coaching staff has been forced to look beyond the immediate core group to maintain competitive standards.

The Introduction of Fresh International Talent

In addition to the returning veterans, Afrika has handed opportunities to two debutants, Jané Mulder and Owami Mohuli. Mulder, a former national under-20 winger, has been on the fringes of the senior setup for a year, while Mohuli earned her call-up through a standout domestic season where she showcased her finishing ability with three tries for the Free State Women. Their inclusion represents a bold step toward widening the national talent pool, as the team looks to balance immediate results with the long-term necessity of blooding new international prospects.