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South Africa Women's Seven team ready for Olympic bow
By Ian Cameron
The South Africa Women’s Sevens rugby team is set to make its inaugural appearance at the Olympic Games, with head coach Renfred Dazel highlighting the magnitude of the occasion for the team and the nation. The team is driven by the inspiration of being part of this historic moment and the opportunity to motivate future generations, according to Dazel.
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Speaking ahead of the Rugby Sevens Women’s tournament at the Stade de France, scheduled to commence on Sunday, Dazel emphasized the team’s extensive preparation and readiness. He noted that their male counterparts had instilled a belief that every opponent can be overcome, reinforcing the team’s determination and focus.
This landmark participation marks a significant achievement for the South African women’s rugby program, as they aim to make a strong impression on the Olympic stage.
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“We come well prepared, mentally and physically,” said Dazel, who was assistant coach to the Blitzbok squad that won the bronze medal in Rio in 2016.
“We had some good sessions last week in Montpellier and once we arrived in Paris, the energy levels stayed up.
“The Blitzboks’ performance in that quarter-final against New Zealand was hugely inspiring to all of us. We celebrated that as a team and realised that we can also deliver exceptional performances and looking at our pool, create a shock or two.”
The South Africans will play Australia, Ireland and Great Britain in their pool.
“We have played against all of them during the SVNS series and had our moments,” he said. “We actually beat Great Britain in Perth, so we feel that we can make history and win our first match ever at the Olympics.”
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The coach reflected on the history part of their first Olympics: “Yes we will be the first Springbok Women’s Sevens team to play here and previous squads who qualified, did not get that opportunity.
“We are mindful of that and will play for those denied as well. Ultimately, we want to make South Africa and our system proud and show a pathway for future rugby athletes,” Dazel added.
