On Saturday, 29 May, the Leopards women played against the Griffons women in a friendly encounter at Olën Park, which also served as the final proving grounds for the upcoming season. The Leopards won by a fair margin and showed why they are one of the favourites this season.
The Leopards Women are now ready to take on all comers in the upcoming women’s interprovincial tournament. The Leopards women’s first match is away against the Valke on Saturday, 12 June, before they take on the Limpopo Blue Bulls at home on 19 June.
The Leopards will then travel away to face the Lions on 26 June before ending with a home fixture against the Pumas on 10 July. The final will take place on 17 July.
The current women’s rugby system is divided into an A and two B divisions. (Boland, Border, KZN, EP, WP, Blue Bulls contest Division A with Free State, SWD, Griquas and Griffons in Division B1 and the Leopards, Lions, Falcons, Limpopo Blue Bulls and Pumas in Division B2. Ending top of the division will give the Leopards women a chance to play the top teams in Division B1 with a chance of promotion to Division A.
The Leopards squad features numerous talented players from various clubs across North West. The team has a good mix of youth and experience and will look to carry the form throughout the entire season. According to the Leopards women liaison and marketing officer, Henriëtte Pretorius, the team is thrilled to be back on the field after a nearly two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The 2021 season was off to a very slow start, as the economy took a hard fall and we were forced away from all sporting activities. We even cancelled club leagues to make sure we could utilise every possible opportunity towards our provincial team. Women’s sport in SA is still amateur and we have to work hard and stay focused to expose our provincial ladies to the best opportunities for them to be noticed by the Springbok selectors,” stated Pretorius.
Leopards women squad: Players: Ferana van Heeden, Izel Cilliers, Jacomina Cilliers, Monique Reens, Vianca Boer, Mino Cronje, Tazmin Britz (Potch Dorp) Tarren Fortuin, Hlengiwe Mpofu (NWU Mafikeng) Aretha Mabombo, Khumo Sefako, Sinethemba Mamwhahla, Nxololo Mpupa, Andiswe Magazi, Azinani Ngantweni, Buhle Ngalipi (Ikageng Rugby Club) Mkrabalala buhle, Thembakazi Fulela, Dineo Ntlhaeng, Benathi Nganga, Mositi Ncediswa, Molifi Keneuwa, Linda Mbinda (Matlosana Rugby Academy) Tsholofelo Relahike, Portia Mariquel (Orbit Rugby Club)
Management: Franklin Jackson, Jaco Strydom, Jackie Kriel, Brendon Strydom, Garann Kriek, Phillgret Bitterbos, Henriette Pretorius.
