Springbok Women's Sevens ready for African showpiece

They are aware of the threats of one of their traditional foes for Rugby Africa's Women's Sevens glory, but for Springbok Women’s Sevens wing Zandile Masuku, each encounter at this weekend's continental showpiece, will be one where she hopes to be at her very best “in doing her job”.

The speedster departed from Cape Town with the rest of their squad on Wednesday to Accra in Ghana, via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, knowing that a good result will mean qualification to play in World Rugby’s Challenger Series again.

Masuku had played for the Springbok Women's Sevens in the Challenger Series, the Commonwealth Games and during the recent HSBC SVNS, where she made her debut in Hong Kong, but she is yet to play in the African competition, something she is looking forward to.

“I can't wait to play this weekend, as this will be my first return to international sevens since I picked up an injury just before the Singapore tournament in the world series,” the 25-year-old said.

“I have heard that Kenya will be a tough nut to crack, especially in play-off matches, so I will be ready for them, but I know that all our opponents will be coming hard for us, so we need to be ready.

“We will treat all of them with the same respect, but they must know we are coming with a clear goal and that is to win.”

Masuku hopes to score plenty of tries in Accra: “It is my job as wing to finish and when I score tries, it means the rest of the team were also doing their roles and responsibilities.”

She is proud to be part of the squad that have the responsibility to get South African back into the World Series.

“That is the end goal, but for now it is all about being at our best this weekend and making our country proud,” said the Limpopo raised player.

“The fact that Kemi (Kemisetso Baloyi), who is a family member of mine, is with me on this trip, makes it even more special. I hope that when I score a try, she will be the first to congratulate me,” Masuku laughed.

The tournament kicks off Saturday, with the Springbok Women playing Burkina Faso at 12h50 (14h50 SA time), Zimbabwe (15h34, 17h34 SA time) and Tunisia (18h18, 20h18 SA time) in Pool A.