Botswana are set to make their international women's debut in Africa at the weekend when seven of the continent's rugby playing nations line up in Kampala, Uganda bidding to qualify for next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens.
They will enter a side in an international women's Sevens competition for the first time and join hosts Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tunisia and Kenya in the draw, from which only two nations will qualify for the Dubai showpiece on 5-7 March 2009.
Nine of 16 women's teams have already booked their places at the Dubai event. Brazil were first to qualify from South America, followed by England, Netherlands, Russia, France, Spain and Italy from Europe and most recently Australia and New Zealand from Oceania.
After Africa's women face off in Uganda, Hong Kong will host qualifying for Asia's men and women on 4-5 October and the Bahamas will host North America's men and women on 25-26 October, before the African men's event draws qualifying to a close.
The seven nations - plus Uganda A - in Kampala will be divided into two pools of four with the top two sides in each qualifying for the semi-finals, while the other contest the Bowl and Shield competitions on Sunday.
South Africa coach Denver Wannies has announced his 12 players, who face the initial challenge of Zimbabwe and Ivory Coast in Pool A.
“We are expecting a tough tournament, everybody wants to qualify for a world tournament that is being played for the first time,” said Wannies.
“I am impressed with the sense of determination on the part of our players. It’s an encouraging environment.”
Next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens features both men's and women's competitions for the first time. Fiji are the reigning men's World Champions, having won the title in Hong Kong in 2005 under player-coach Waisale Serevi.
Squads
South Africa: Yolanda Meiring, Natasha Hofmeester, Mandisa Williams; Nomathamsanqa Faleni, Lamla Momoti, Saloma Booysen, Lorinda Brown, Pumeza Gadu, Zenay Jordaan, Nombulelo Mayongo, Aimee Barrett, Nadine Barnard
Uganda (provisional): Helen Buteme, Brenda Kayiyi, Prossy Nakakande, Fortunate Irankunda, Charlotte Modoola, Rachael Kakaire, Harriet Kayonjo, Christine Kizito, Winnie Etyang, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Stella Bakole, Josephine Namayega, Mary Kyoita, Aaliyah Adania.
Zambia (provisional): Mary Mbewe, Sherry Mwami, Lome Phiri, Memory Habukali, Carol Mpululuka, Cathrine Ndashe, Cecilia Chitenge, Eukaria Chimanga, Gladys Mateyo, Agness Mutambarika, Grace Zulu, Mable Kamanga, Moddy Kafunda, Majorie Chipasa, Susan Chongo, Jane Kaoma.
Kenya: Angela Olum, Nereah Awino, Mary Otieno, Anita Omondi, Doreen Remour, Celestine Navalayo (captain), Irene Awino, Philadelphia Olando, Janet Midecha, Abadeen Shikhoyi, Stacy Awuor, Mary Musieka.
Other squads yet to be named
