Zintle Mpupha says they will raise the standard in Africa Cup title defence

The SA women’s national team will depart for Kenya this evening to step into their final preparation phase for the continental showpiece - which is expected to take place on 15 and 16 November in Nairobi. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mpupha says women’s rugby has improved across the African continent, and they are aware that they will have to step up in their approach as they begin to chase their fourth championship in a row.

"I am happy to see the growth in Africa, the teams are really putting their hands up and that is nothing but showing attest to the African continent as a whole and we as a team we always have to set the standard up and knowing that we are the professional side out of the African as well,” Mpupha said. 

“We really pushing by all means that we represent our country as those professionals that we are as well. Like I said, pressure every time that you get to represent your country and if there was no pressure, everyone will be doing it and yeah, just love the growth of African nations at this moment."

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South Africa will face Mauritius in their opening Pool A match on Saturday.

Mpupha admits that they will focus on themselves more since they don’t have enough data on their opponents.

"Getting to play Mauritius in the first game of the tournament, there's not really much footage that we can get out of them but the focus is really focusing on ourselves and understanding our structures and fine tuning our stuff,” she added. 

“Obviously we are really going to look at Mauritius as any other games as well. It's gonna be tough, it's the African Cup, especially you being the first one is just like getting jetters off the body and just getting the bodies going again and getting that confidence."

The 31-year-old is one of the most noted South African duo players, usually capped in both the 15s and 7s national squads.