Madibaz conditioned mentally and physically for hot USSA sevens

The Madibaz women’s sevens rugby team are ready to compete against the best in the country at the University Sports SA tournament in Kimberley on Saturday and Sunday.

Discipline, execution and recovery will be key for the Madibaz when they take on their foes and the notorious Kimberley heat at the University Sports South Africa sevens rugby tournament this weekend.

During their final week of preparation, coaches Zuko Ndlela (men) and Namhla Siyolo (women) were cognisant of the huge task at hand on Saturday and Sunday.

“I feel that one of the most important things is attention to detail, both on and off the field. If you lose concentration for a moment, it can make or break a game,” Ndlela warned.

“As coaching staff, we need to get the timing of the subs right and we need to maintain a high standard of discipline.”

A year ago, also in Kimberley, the men finished 12^th but Ndlela expected way more from is charges this time around.

“My message to the team is stick to the processes we have put in place and just focus on the next game.”

Central to his philosophy in working with student-athletes was that he wanted them to enjoy the moment while putting in the work that was needed to be competitive in this fast-paced format of the sport.

Therefore, there had been a big focus on conditioning – naturally, with a smile.

“This is the bottom line in sevens rugby, as well as managing the set pieces, the kick-offs and your defensive systems. We have covered these in training to try to put the team in a good space.”

On managing their resources in the heat, Ndlela said proper hydration and nutrition would be essential as well as limiting energy expenditure between matches.

There would also be the obligatory sessions in the pool and ice baths to assist with recovery.

To be grouped with Stellenbosch, CPUT and Walter Sisulu is a tough draw in anyone’s book.

“All of these teams have done well in past tournaments, generally finishing in the top 10, so it will be a real test for our squad,” Ndlela said.

Meanwhile, women’s coach Siyolo was banking on her team building on the form that had seen them to victory in an intervarsity against Rhodes, Fort Hare and Walter Sisulu in 2023 and placing second this year.

Even though, like the men, their chief focus had been on the various provincial 15s leagues, they did sevens-specific training once a week.

“Sevens is all about running, running and then running some more, so that has been a big part of our build-up,” Siyolo said.

Despite also finding themselves in a tough pool, which included the likes of UJ, taking the right mental approach into each game was key, the Madibaz mentor said.

“I expect them to give their best until the final whistle.”