The Great Island will compete in Pool C of the Africa Women’s Sevens in November. With a rejuvenated squad, the Ladies Makis are aiming for further progress on the continental stage.
The draw for the Africa Women’s Sevens, scheduled for November 7 and 8 in Nairobi, Kenya, has placed Madagascar in Pool C alongside Uganda, Mauritius, and Burkina Faso. This group offers the Malagasy team a real opportunity to aim for qualification to the final phase, provided they approach each match with seriousness.
Uganda represents the main challenge for the Ladies Makis. With their experience in continental women’s rugby, the Ugandans are likely to pose a physical challenge to the representatives of the Great Island. To hold their own, the Malagasy players will need to rely on their speed, passing precision, and ability to exploit open spaces.
“With a rejuvenated squad in preparation for the future, Madagascar is not aiming for the title in Nairobi, but intends to use this competition to introduce our young players to the high continental level. This does not mean we will not show resistance. On the contrary, we will make things difficult for our opponents,” says Antsoniandro Randrianorosoa, National Technical Director (DTN) of Malagasy Rugby.
Mauritius, which has made rugby sevens a priority over the last three years, is also an opponent to be taken seriously. Confrontations between the two Indian Ocean nations generally turn to the advantage of the Great Island. Being more experienced, Madagascar will need to impose its rhythm to confirm this trend. Burkina Faso completes Pool C. On paper, this match seems more accessible for the Malagasy, but in such a short tournament, no victory is guaranteed in advance.
The Ladies Makis can rely on the experience gained throughout their international campaigns. Malagasy women’s rugby has already shown it can compete with the best African nations, having secured the title of African vice-champion behind South Africa and having already participated in a World Cup.
In rugby sevens, the requirements are different. Endurance, speed, the quality of defensive positioning, and efficiency in individual duels are of particular importance. Physical preparation and collective cohesion will therefore be decisive in hoping to emerge from the group stage.
This Nairobi event serves to measure the level of the new generation under the leadership of coach Eric Randrianarison, assisted by former Ladies Makis veteran Claudia Rasoarimalala. This competition is an opportunity to confirm the progress of Malagasy women’s rugby and to consolidate its long-term ambitions, particularly with a view to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-13 06:08:55 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/rugby-vii-africa-womens-sevens.html