Patience Mokone aims to make her mark ahead of Bok Women Sevens Africa Cup title defence

As the African showpiece kicks off today, South Africa will be aiming to set the tone in their opening fixture against Mauritius this afternoon.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mokone says they have prepared well to make sure that they meet the rising standard of the women’s game on the continent.

“This is a good opportunity for me to make my mark. I believe we have prepared well and have taken some time to focus on strategies during camp at the HPC. We are also aware of the rising standard of the women’s game and we want to match that, and return home with a trophy,” said Mokone.

Mokone explains what it means to return to this tournament as defending champions and what it takes to retain the championship.

“We have good infrastructure and we get the much needed support from the South Africa Rugby Union - I believe that truly sets us apart. But believe it is the positive mindset and working as a unit that will see us on the other side. We want to win the championship."

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The 23-year-old duo player shares her expectation ahead of their fixture against Mauritius. Stating that an opening match is a must win and it will make a good statement ahead of the coming fixtures.

“We don’t want to focus too much on them, we know what we have planned during training and that is what we need to stick to. We also need to focus on the basics. We have worked hard in the off season. We have to win the first and curry the momentum into the other games,” she expressed.