‘We’re not the favourites’: Boland Dames embrace Super League challenge
EXCLUSIVE: Although one of South Africa’s leading women’s rugby teams, Boland Dames, is more than happy to fly under the radar as an underdog heading into the inaugural Women’s Super League (WRSL) that kicks off on February 14.
All eyes are firmly on the reigning Women’s Premier Division champions, Bulls Daisies, who are red-hot favourites to lift the new title – and with good reason.
The Pretoria-based side has dominated the domestic scene, claiming a record three consecutive Premier Division titles and standing alone as the only fully professional women’s team in the country.
Western Province has finished as runners-up in each of the last three seasons.
“We’re one of the underdogs. We’re not the favourites,” Boland Dames head coach Thomas Chowles told Rugby365 when asked about his team’s prospects in the Super League.
“We’ve always just been the bridesmaid and never the bride.”
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The Boland Dames were second for the majority of the Premier Division during last season, but failed to reach the Final following a defeat to WP.
“We’ve never been in a Final, and that’s a big motivation every year.
“The last two years, we slipped the Final with one point, two or three points – that’s how small the margins have been against Province and against the Bulls Daisies.”
Still searching for their first piece of silverware, Chowles believes his squad is desperate to rewrite that history.
He revealed that around 75 percent of last season’s squad has remained intact, with Aseza Hele staying committed to the club despite receiving numerous offers elsewhere.
Boland have also bolstered their ranks with the additions of utility back Chloe Adams, wing Tereskè Kabuika-Ilunga, lock Thandi Masuku, and utility forward TJ Ngxowa.
The Dames will kick off their WRSL campaign away to the Cheetahs Queens in Wellington.
Chowles, who has been at the helm since 2016, said the extended pre-season has been a blessing in disguise.
“Our pre-season started in November because we initially got the shocking news that the competition would start on January 14,” he explained.
“We started early, then the dates moved to January 30, and eventually the final kick-off was confirmed for February 14 – Valentine’s Day.
“So I’ve got a lot of flowers to buy.”
Boland will be without Springbok Women’s wing Maceala Samboya at the start of the tournament after she underwent knee surgery in early December.
“She’s busy with rehab,” Chowles said.
“She had her first contact session on February 3 and should be back for our third match against the Bulls Daisies.”
