The Ladies Maki Seven rugby team from Madagascar is intensifying their training as they prepare to participate in the World Cup of rugby in South Africa. With only two months to go, the team is working tirelessly to perfect their skills, according to Zaka Ravelonanosy, their physical trainer and sports director. The team's recent second-place finish in the African championship, held in Tunisia, has boosted their confidence.
The African championship was a significant challenge for the team, given their relatively short preparation period of just three months. Despite this, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, ultimately securing a spot in the World Cup. Ravelonanosy expressed pride in the team's achievement, noting that they are the surprise package of the tournament. The team's coach emphasized that they are eager to take on the world's top teams, including Australia, New Zealand, and England.
The Ladies Maki Seven team's journey to the World Cup is particularly noteworthy given the challenges they face in Madagascar. The country's rugby infrastructure and resources are limited, and the team is comprised largely of amateur players from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many of the players have to balance their training with work or family responsibilities, making it difficult for them to dedicate themselves fully to the sport.
Despite these challenges, the team's captain, Sahondramalala Nomenjanahary Sarindra, is optimistic about their chances. She believes that the team's hard work and determination will pay off, and they are targeting a top-10 finish in the World Cup. Sarindra, who has been playing rugby for over a decade, has become a local star in her community and is committed to inspiring young girls to take up the sport.
Rugby sevens, which involves seven players per team, is a faster-paced and more physically demanding version of the sport than the traditional 15-player version. The game requires a unique combination of speed, agility, and endurance, as well as strong tactical awareness. Ravelonanosy emphasized that the team's success will depend on their ability to adapt to the demands of the World Cup.
The Ladies Maki Seven team's participation in the World Cup is also seen as an opportunity to raise the profile of women's rugby in Madagascar. Ravelonanosy believes that the team's success can help to inspire a new generation of young girls to take up the sport, and that rugby can be a powerful tool for social mobility and empowerment.
As the team prepares to take on the world's best, they are buoyed by their recent achievements and their growing confidence. With the support of their fans and their own determination, the Ladies Maki Seven are ready to make their mark on the World Cup stage.
Key points
- The team is targeting a top-10 finish in the World Cup.
