Kaua calls upon experienced Yaras players for SVNS 2 opener

Yaras head coach Crystal Kaua has confirmed the 12 player squad that will take part in HSBC SVNS 2’s stop in Nairobi this weekend.

This weekend Brazil’s women will compete against Kenya, South Africa, Argentina, Spain and China in the round robin competition, which has further stops in Montevideo and São Paulo.

Finishing in the top four after three tournaments will secure teams with a place at the HSBC SVNS World Championships, which take place in Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux.

Last season Brazil competed as a core team on the HSBC SVNS Series and finished ninth overall. That finish meant that the side were relegated to HSBC SVNS 2 as part of the competition’s restructuring.

In Nairobi, the South Americans will be captained by seasoned campaigner Aline Furtado and Rafaella Zanellato brings bags of experience upon her return to the side. Maysa Fernandes is the sole debutant in the squad.

“Finishing ninth in the world last season showed what this team is capable of, but our focus remained firmly on our own growth,” Kaua said.

“We work hard on the fundamentals, on our physical capacity and on building a team that can execute automatically when it matters most.

“With experienced leaders raising the standards, players returning with energy and new talents reaching the world stage, we are ready to play in Kenya. The format may have changed, but our goal has not; to inspire Brazilians and compete with the best in the world.”

Brazil Women’s Sevens squad for Nairobi

Thalita Costa
Camila Isis Carvalho
Aline Furtado
Maysa Fernandes
Mariana Nicolau
Bianca Silva
Thalia Costa
Gabriela Lima
Isadora Lopes
Giovanna Barth
Rafaela Zanellato
Yasmin Soares