Anathi Qolo Lifts Continental Crown As Springbok Women Edge Kenya 35-20 in Nairobi Decider 
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Anathi Qolo Lifts Continental Crown As Springbok Women Edge Kenya 35-20 in Nairobi Decider 

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The Springbok Women claimed a fifth Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title after holding on against a gutsy Kenya Lionesses for a 35-20 victory at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday, 31 May 2026.

The South Africans trailed by a point at the break, but three tries in a third-quarter purple patch, and another after the final siren, were deserved reward for their general dominance, although Kenya refused to lie down and kept their hopes alive with two tries in the final 13 minutes.

The three third-quarter tries, from centre Naima Hlatshwayo, No. 8 Logan Welman and left wing Jakkie Cilliers, came in a burst of 17 minutes as the Springbok Women’s ball retention and quick recycling left the Kenyan defence short of numbers on each occasion.

Kenya’s late burst put the game back into the melting pot, with the second score, an impressive flyhalf Sinaida Mokaya running the ball back down the left touchline from an errant kick, closing the gap to two points with five minutes remaining.

Jakkie Cilliers added a try, two conversions, and two penalty goals as the Springbok Women edged Kenya 35-20 in the decider.
Jakkie Cilliers added a try, two conversions, and two penalty goals as the Springbok Women edged Kenya 35-20 in the decider.

However, two Cilliers penalty goals and a conversion of an after-the-siren try by replacement Ntsako Mbombi from a lineout drive gave comfort on the scoreboard that the Springbok Women probably never felt.

They had had the better of territory and possession in the first half but could not make the advantage tell against a Kenya team that was resolute in defence and ferocious at the breakdown.

Three times at the end of the opening period, Kenya forced turnovers at the ruck, usually by exploiting a lack of ball security from the Springbok Women, and they ended the half with a penalty goal from one such turnover to take a one-point lead into the break after overhauling South Africa’s early lead.

Right wing Alichia Arries showed great power and determination to force herself over by the corner flag after a succession of drives had been held up close to the line, and Cilliers produced a superb touchline conversion to get South Africa on the board.

Any assumptions that the Springbok Women might cruise to another title were disabused by the fired-up Kenya Lionesses, revelling in playing in front of their home crowd.

Centres Faith Livoi and Moreen Muritu packed an explosive and pacey threat, and it was the former who scored Kenya’s first points. She broke the Springbok defence on the halfway line and, after being hauled down and the ball recycled, profited from a wicked bounce off Mokaya’s kick ahead to touch down.

Mokaya added a penalty from in front to give Kenya the lead in the 30th minute and set up a thrilling second half.

Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Match Day Three at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, Kenya on 31 May 2026

South Africa 35 (7) – 20 (8) Kenya

Springbok Women Tries: Alichia Arries, Naima Hlatshwayo, Logan Welman, Jakkie Cilliers, Ntsako Mbombi
Conversions: Cilliers (2)
Penalty goals: Cilliers (2)

Kenya Tries: Faith Livoi, Knight Otuoma, Sinaida Mokaya
Conversion: Mokaya
Penalty goal: Mokaya

Springbok Women Results at the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, Kenya from 23 May to 31 May 2026

Sat 23 May: South Africa 64-5 Madagascar
Wed 27 May: South Africa 47-20 Uganda
Sun 31 May: South Africa 35-20 Kenya

Springbok Women Starting XV and Bench v Kenya

1. Sanelisiwe Charlie
2. Anushka Groenewald
3. Nombuyekezo Mdliki
4. Nomsa Mokwai
5. Anathi Qolo (captain)
6. Faith Tshauke
7. Sinelitha Noxeke
8. Logan Welman
9. Anacadia Minnaar
10. Thamie Yeko
11. Jakkie Cilliers
12. Aphiwe Ngwevu
13. Naima Hlatshwayo
14. Alichia Arries
15. Chuma Qawe

Replacements

16. Roseline Botes
17. Xoliswa Khuzwayo
18. Yonela Ngxingolo
19. Thandile Mazwi
20. Nobuhle Mjwara
21. Ntsako Mbombi
22. Mary Zulu
23. Shaunique Alexander

Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport

Main Photo Caption: The Springbok Women lifted a fifth Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title after a 35-20 victory over hosts Kenya at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday, 31 May 2026, capping an unbeaten three-from-three campaign for captain Anathi Qolo’s side. All Photos: Gallo Images / SA Rugby

Photo 2 Caption: Jakkie Cilliers added a try, two conversions, and two penalty goals as the Springbok Women edged Kenya 35-20 in the decider.

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