4 July 2023
Three players from KZN have been named in the South African Sevens team, which will jet off to compete in the Commonwealth Youth Games, taking place in Trinidad and Tobago between 4 and 11 August.
If the qualities one recognises in the trio are anything to go by, the South African side will take some stopping. Northwood’s Siya Nkosi, Westville’s Siya Ndlozi (in photo) and Hopewell Ntshangase of DHS all bring serious speed, excellent feet, good hands and superior finishing to the game.
South Africa at the Commonwealth Youth Games
When last the Commonwealth Youth Games were held, in 2017 in The Bahamas, South Africa did not compete in the Sevens competition. Samoa claimed the gold on that occasion, defeating England 10-5 in the final, while Fiji picked up the bronze medal, outplaying Canada 28-14.
In 2015, when the Games visited Apia, Samoa, South Africa convincingly won gold. They beat Samoa 29-0 in the semi-finals and then downed Australia 24-5 in the title-decider.
That team, it turns out, was loaded with special talent, including, among others, Curwin Bosch, Hacjivah Dayimani, Manie Libbok, Embrose Papier, JC Pretorius and Damien Willemse. Who, among the current crop, will follow in their footsteps?
2023 Commonwealth Youth Games
This year’s Commonwealth Youth Games will feature approximately 1 000 sportsmen and -women, competing in athletics, beach volleyball, cycling, netball, sevens, swimming and triathlon. The Sevens competition takes place at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad.
The South African team is coached by Marius Schoeman and Ghafoer Luckan.
The squad is as follows: Siya Nkosi (Northwood), Siya Ndlozi (Westville), Hopewell Ntshangase (DHS), Stephanus Linde (Voortrekker), Jeffwin Wesso (Outeniqua), Luann Olivier (Garsfontein), James Nero (Durbanville), Gino Cupido (Strand), Lavela Pongolo (Grey High), Bernardo Diedericks (Robertson), Samuel Badenhorst (Paul Roos), Luan Giliomee (Charlie Hofmeyr), Marno Stopforth (Grey College).
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