VIDEO: The last dance for South Africa legend
This Saturday marks a monumental occasion for the Springbok Women, as they prepare to contest their first-ever Rugby World Cup quarterfinal.
However, for legendary captain Nolusindiso ‘Cindy’ Booi, the match will carry even deeper personal significance.
Although SA Rugby is yet to officially confirm her retirement from the game, the 40-year-old has hinted that she is ready to call time on her career following the global showpiece.
Not many players can say they have played in four World Cups, but captain Booi is one of those who can proudly make that claim.
Booi started her international career 15 years ago and has experienced all the highs and lows that have accompanied the women’s game in South Africa.
She made her Springbok debut against Kazakhstan at the Al Ain Rugby Club in Dubai in 2010 – a period when South Africa showed very little interest in women’s rugby.
During her career, she featured in the 2010, 2014, and 2021 World Cup editions and was one of the casualties when the Springbok Women’s poor results led to their withdrawal from the 2017 showpiece.
Booi also became the country’s first women’s rugby player to earn her 50th cap earlier this year when the Springboks beat Spain.
Now, she’s set to become the first to captain the national team in a World Cup quarterfinal, earning her 55th cap in the process.
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“It’s my last World Cup,” Booi said at the team hotel in Exeter.
“So for me, it’s about giving everything, because I know after this I won’t touch another rugby ball soon.
“I want to empty the tank and leave the jersey in a better place.”
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The captain admitted there are a few nerves ahead of playing against the six-time World Cup champions, but remains optimistic.
“We know that it’s a big one for us – we are playing against a top-ranked team.
“We respect them, but we know if we work hard as a team, there will be opportunities for us.”
“Coach Swys de Bruin always talks about miracles, and we as a team believe that. We have good players, we have family and friends back home that support us – even sponsors – so we have to make them proud.”
When asked whether she might return as a coach in the next World Cup, Booi smiled and replied, “No.”
For now, her focus is on one final dance in green and gold.
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