19 November 2024
The Sharks have had 10 players invited to South African Rugby‘s u17 Elite Player Development Programme Camp, which will be hosted at Boland Landbou from 28 November to 5 December.
Westville Boys’ High has three players in that group, namely SA Schools’ fullback/wing Zekhethelo Siyaya (feature photo), Jadrian Afrikaner, and Lwandile Mlaba.
Meanwhile, Glenwood, who endured a tough season, has some talent moving through their ranks, and that’s reflected in the inclusion of the Green Machine‘s Sambesiwe Ndamase and Lizwe Mtetwa.
Evidence of the progress made by the St Charles 1st XV is the inclusion of their athletic lock Raphael Ajibade, while Hilton‘s Liyema Nela has cracked the nod, too. Kearsney is represented by Andile Ndlovu, who is in grade 10 only, while Maritzburg College‘s Wasi Vyambwera will join them.
Perhaps the player with the biggest load on his broad shoulders will be Lian Terblanche, of Northwood. Not only is he off to the Elite Player Development Camp, but he’s also a member of the KZN u19 Water Polo Team, which will be in action at the Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament in Buffalo City from 7-11 December.
When his tournament is over, Terblanche will fully deserve his rest. That’s quite the workload!
Western Province has the greatest representation, with 19 players being called up, which is just shy of a third of the call-ups. There are 58 in all. The Blue Bulls have had 11 players tagged, while the Sharks’ 10 players is the third-most from any province.
All of the invited players are part of SA Rugby’s EPD system and will be eligible to play for the SA Schools and SA u18 sides next year.
Ian Schwartz, SA Rugby’s General Manager of Participation and Development, commented: “We are excited to bring together these talented young players for the u17 EPD camp, which is a crucial step in their rugby development.
“This camp will not only give them the opportunity to showcase their skills but also to continue honing the fundamentals necessary to succeed at the next level.
“Our commitment to long-term player development is a key focus, and we are confident that this group of players will form a strong foundation for the future of South African rugby.”
INVITED PLAYERS
Bulls: Roal Kruger, Zirk Meyer, Albert Smit, Stefan McDonald, Nicolaas Grobler, Ruben Groenewald, Christiaan de Wet, Junaide Pasensie, Junaide Stuart, Luan van den Berg, Thabiso Simelane.
Border: Robert-John Osonkwu.
Eastern Province: Ukekwe Ikechukwe, Jayden Brewis, Damien Witbooi.
Cheetahs: Toriq Schambreel, Ethan Adams.
Lions: Chinedu Amadi, Jarrel Mbuyi, Andre Poulton, Brad Brown, Jeandre Uithaler.
Griquas: Clinton Brits.
Pumas: Vaughn van Zyl.
Sharks: Lian Terblanche, Liyema Nela, Lwandile Mlaba, Sambesiwe Ndamase, Lizwe Mtetwa, Andile Ndlovu, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Jadrian Afrikaner, Wasi Vyambwera, Raphael Ajibade.
SWD: Adrian Smith, Jacobus de Villiers, Kai Pratt, Ruan Swart, Keenan Myners.
Western Province: Henry Rudder, Jayden Brits, Dante Christians, Briint Davids, Jordan Jooste, Jayden Joubert, Tristan Joubert, Francois van der Merwe, Quinton Potgieter, Zheemo Isaacs, Markus Muller, Jeerahno Jagers, Luchwayito Mbaliswano, Altus Rabe, Gert Kemp, Travis Pheiffer, Josh Neill, Randal-John Davids, Sango Zangqa.
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