Why Swys handed Latsha the captain's armband
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin says Babalwa Latsha’s exceptional rugby knowledge, coupled with her outstanding leadership qualities, made her the obvious choice to captain the national side for the 2026 season.
Latsha, the most-capped Springbok Women tighthead prop, has been entrusted with leading South Africa following the retirement of long-serving skipper Nolusindiso Booi at the end of last season.
The 32-year-old has captained the Bok Women on 15 previous occasions, with her first assignment in the role coming in Saturday’s historic Test against the USA at Ellis Park.
Having worked closely with Latsha over the past season, De Bruin, who took over as head coach in 2024, believes she has already established herself as the squad’s natural leader.
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“Latsha, you deserve it. You’re a brilliant leader,” De Bruin told reporters.
“What I enjoy about Babalwa, on and off the field, is her rugby knowledge is really second to none. She understands the game.
“When I come with a crazy idea or something, she’s always the first to ask the right question or buy in, or whatever.
“Last year, she grew into a leadership role. We had an opportunity or two where she could do the speeches and the psych-up. And I realised last year, I think it was down at Athlone Stadium during the WXV, where we played and you gave a speech. And I said afterwards, ‘Wow, you should be in politics or something.’ It was amazing.”
De Bruin believes Latsha’s greatest strength is knowing exactly when to speak.
“Her timing is one of her strengths, to say the right thing – and that’s a mark of a leader.
“Just waffle, and you’ll block a lot of that.
“But to put it this way, if she speaks, everyone listens. Then you listen.”
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Hailing from Khayelitsha in Cape Town, Latsha said she fully understands the magnitude of the responsibility.
However, she hopes to build on the legacy left by previous captains, particularly Booi.
“It’s an incredible honour. It truly is,” Latsha said.
“I’m blessed to be entrusted with such a big responsibility. I understand the weight of it, but fortunately for me, I have incredible people like our coach, Swys, and some of the leadership, girls like Libby Janse van Rensburg, who’s vice-captain as well, to carry that, or to help me carry that.”
Latsha said she learned invaluable lessons from former skipper Booi.
“Cindy was my confidante and a good friend, an incredible leader.
“She played a role in influencing my leadership style, albeit it differs because we’re two different individuals. But she was incredibly humble.
“That’s the one thing that always stood out for me and that I internalised and made it my own. She’s a warrior. She always, always puts the team first and puts her body on the line no matter what.
“Selfless leader. And those are a few of the gems that I was able to receive from her.”
Latsha was the first African woman to sign a professional rugby contract when she joined Spanish side SD Eibar Femenino in 2020.
She returned home in 2021 and played for Western Province.
However, her tremendous talent was quickly noticed, and she soon signed a deal with English club Harlequins in 2023.
During her time at the Premiership club, the prop became a well-known figure, making 29 appearances for the side and scoring a try in the Premiership Women’s semi-final in March.
The prop returned to South Africa in 2025 ahead of the World Cup and currently plays for Western Province.
