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Former Springbok Women lock Dolly Mavumengwana is beaming with pride as one of the players she mentored, Nolusindiso Booi, stands to make history on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld.
Booi will captain the Springbok Women side for the 22nd time, making her the most experienced national team captain of all time.
She will surpass the record previously held by Mandisa Williams, and Mavumengwana says her journey is an inspirational one.
"I'm really proud to have seen her grow into an outstanding player and leader. The journey of Nolusindiso Booi is an inspirational story for many, and I am honoured to have played a part in it," said the former Springbok and mentor.
The towering figure was one of the first players to represent South Africa at senior international level, some 20 years ago under coach Thobile Dunjwa, and she played her final test against Kenya in a World Cup qualifier in East London in 2014.
Dolly says she helped Booi build her confidence as a talented youngster when she started her international career.
"My experience with Nolusindiso Booi was exceptional. I quickly realised that she was a player with immense talent, so I just helped her to boost her confidence," explained the former lock.
The upcoming match against Canada will take place on Saturday afternoon, just hours before the Springboks also take on Italy at the same venue, and Mavumengwana says this will boost the profile of the women’s team as fans will flock in for the double header.
Regarding the Boks Women’s World Cup chances, she believes that they can get to the knockout stages from Pool D, which also contains France, Italy, and Brazil.
Mavumengwana represented South Africa at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and she is currently working at the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation.
