The Bulls Daisies have announced their matchday 23 to take on the EP Queens on Saturday 8 July 2023. The round nine 2023 Women’s Premier Division clash will take place at the LC de Villiers stadium, with kickoff set for 12h00 midday.
At the front, Thulisile Bukula (loosehead prop) will line up alongside Sinenhlahla Kwinana (hooker) and Yonela Ngxingolo (tight-head prop) on the front row. Ziyanda Ngohlekana and Lerato Makua will combine at lock whilst captain, Lusanda Dumke (blindside) and Rights Mkhari (openside) will combine at flank. Sophy Mashapa will bring order the forwards pack at eight.
Mahlatse “Lucky” Nkumishe (scrum-half) and Byhandre Dolf (fly half) will combine at half-back with Maria Tshiremba at left wing and Patience Mokone on the right. Marelize de Bruin (inside) and Unathi Mali (outside) will pair up at centre with Zintle Nonkosana at full-back.
The impact squad will have Boitumelo Phakane, Asithandile Ntoyanto, Rachele du Plessis, Faith Tshauke, Thandeka Shongwe, Lynne Subke, Jacomina Cilliers and Mamphoke Kgahliso for fresh legs.
Head coach, Hayden Groepes said that his team have prepared for a tough match which will require his herd to dig deep because of the week-long break and the rotations made to the side.
“We have made a couple of rotational changes to our side, making sure we continue looking after our squad and really finding that balance where every one of our players has just about enough game time,”
“We are going to have to put together a really good 80-minute performance against the EP Queens. The challenges of rotating our squad give a wonderful opportunity for the players getting to run out on Saturday and I believe they will do the Daisy proud.”
The Daisies are undefeated in seven matches of this 2023 campaign but Groepes maintains that the focus of the team remains on the job at hand.
“The winning streak is not on our radar, we are purely focused on the next job and the next task before us. It is important to remain with both feet on the ground, for our campaign and for our season objective,”
“Right now we are just focused on hitting our strides against an EP side that will arrive prepared and really demand that we be on our best form. The break was good and the ladies have returned with a spring in their step, so we are just excited to get going once again.”
Asked about where the team will be watching the Springboks later in the day, Groepes said: “The whole team will be watching the game at Loftus Versfeld, an honour and privilege that they will enjoy as they collectively support the national team,”
“We are honestly fortunate to share the occasion and be afforded the opportunity to support the Boks at the start of their Rugby Championship campaign.”
BULLS DAISIES vs EP QUEENS STARTING XV: 1. Thulisile Bukula, 2. Sinenhlahla Kwinana, 3. Yonela Ngxingolo, 4. Ziyanda Ngohlekana, 5. Lerato Makua, 6. Lusanda Dumke (c), 7. Rights Mkhari, 8. Sophy Mashapa, 9. Mahlatse “Lucky” Nkumishe, 10. Byhandre Dolf, 11. Maria Tshiremba, 12. Marelize de Bruin, 13. Unathi Mali (vc), 14. Patience Mokone, 15. Zintle Nonkosana
BULLS DAISIES IMPACT SQUAD: 16. Boitumelo Phakane, 17. Asithandile Ntoyanto, 18. Rachele du Plessis, 19. Faith Tshauke, 20. Thandeka Shongwe, 21. Lynne Subke, 22. Jacomina Cilliers, 23. Mamphoke Kgahliso
MANAGEMENT: Hayden Groepes – Head Coach, Mandisa Williams – Assistant Coach, Dr. Sbu Ntuli – Team Doctor, Karabo Morokane – Physiotherapist, Lenel Allison – Physiotherapist, Tayla Chidrawi – Strength & Conditioning, Nokuthula Nene – Technical Analyst, Luyolo Tandani – Logistic Manager, Swazi Bisset – Partnerships Manager, Thando Manana – Women’s High-Performance Manager
