‘Boks favourites to represent Africa in Rio

Ten teams (South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Madagascar, Senegal, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana) will be competing in the tournament in Johannesburg (26/27 September), making this the largest ever women’s tournament, and South Africa have more than just home advantage (the tournament is being played at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park, Johannesburg ) on their side. The champions will go to Rio, while the next three teams will play in  next year's repecharge tournament. South Africa have never lost a competitive sevens (or fifteens) game against African opposition.

Coach Renfred Dazel announced his squad last Thursday, making only one change to team who played so well and so unlucky in Dublin, Ziyanda Tywaleni making her first appearance for the team this year. Tywaleni, who last played Dubai last December, replaces Zaandre Theron.

“Ziyanda has been working very hard at training throughout the year and she has been unfortunate not to be selected,” said Dazel. “But there is a lot of competition within the squad, and the players realise that sometimes they have to be patient to get a chance to play. Ziyanda has been positive at training despite this, and I am pleased that she has earned her chance to make her presence felt. Hopefully she will transfer her positive attitude onto the field and use this opportunity to stamp her authority.”

Dazel said it was important to maintain continuity in selection, especially since a victory in Johannesburg would ensure that the team meets the criteria to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

“The core of team has remained the same since the beginning of the season, and it has paid off as there has been a vast improvement in our standard of play since our first tournament of the season,” said Dazel. “The players are familiar with each other’s style of play and they have grown into a tight-knit unit after a few challenging tournaments this year, which is fantastic to see.

“I hope to see the same fighting spirit they displayed in the last three legs of the World Series and in the World Series Qualifier recently in Ireland when they take to the field in Kempton Park. If we are able to deliver those standards and use a few more point-scoring chances, I believe we can win the tournament.”

South African squad: Lorinda Brown, Phumeza Gadu, Rachelle Geldenhuys, Nosiphiwo Goda, Veroeshka Grain, Zenay Jordaan, Jacqueline Kriel, Sinazo Nobele, Marithy Pienaar, Fundiswa Plaatjie, Mathrin Simmers, Ziyanda Tywaleni

However, while South African preparations have gone well, the same cannot be said for the second seed in South Africa's pool,Zimbabwewith reports inThe Chroniclelast weekend suggesting problems with their final training camp, due to start on Monday, following on from their previous camp which was cancelled. Head coach Abigail Kawonza was reported as saying that "At the moment we can't afford to feed everyone so we're organising to have the players come in from their homes and back for each camp day." The team was also stll waiting for the arrival of its playing kit for the tournament. The men's team, training at the same location, reported no similar problems.

“There is a 15-member provisional squad, the final 12 which will be going for the qualifiers will be announced on Tuesday,” said team manager Susan Kamukai. “We have been training every week from February and considering the time we have been preparing for the qualifications, I think we are ready and we are aiming high. It is no secret that we will be going to South Africa with the main objective of qualifying for the Olympics. We have done a lot of preparations and the rest will be left in the field of play come the day of the competition,” added Kamukai.

As part of their preparations the women will play against a men side Mbare Academy at Harare Sports Club.

Zimbabwe provisional squad:M Magwaro, A Gondo, T Chitewe, S T Mucucuti, H Marange, S Kadye, R Musere, O Chikukura, R Chigumbo, P Pazani, C Ngwende, P Marange, R Chabveka, C Malinga, G Masora.

We reportedon the third seeds in Pool A -Uganda -last week.

In Pool B final squads will also be selected in the next few days, though outsiders  Madagascar annouced theirs over the weekend:

Madagascar:Mamy Angel Lalaharison (3FB), Véronique Fleuris Rasoanekena (UASC), Ando Randrianarijaona (SCB), Herizo Lydie Rasoarimalala (SCB), Laurence Rasoanandrasana (SCB), Tina Vololona Raharimampionona (3FB), Farasoa Tantely Razafimahefa (3FB sady Kapiteny), Marie Sophie Razafindrasoa (3FB), Sarindra Sahondranomenjanahary (3FB), Mbolatiana Dinah Raveloarinoro (3FB), Tsinjo Natiora Raharinirina (3FB), Vonjy Malala Ranorovololona (3FB)

Draw: