Branded as the famous, and most fearless young guns in the current South Africa rugby circles, the Stormers quartet of Siya Kolisi, Steven Kirchoff, Marlhebe and Eben Etzebeth have been a marvel to watch in opening rounds of the 2012 Super Rugby Season.
Even Stormers coach, Allister Cortzee believes these youngsters are destined for that celebrated Springbok jersey soon. Is that too early to say?
Well, I had the pleasure of following through the careers of all these youngsters, having noticed them playing at the famous Coca Cola Craven Week Festival. Of cause, the much talked about laaitie during that time (2009), was Siyamthanda Kolisi, a rampant, bulldozing and powerhouse loose-forward who seems to have easily fitted into the Cape rugby culture, following his move there in 2011, having played most of his junior rugby at Grey College (Bloemfontein).
What stood out the most back then were his powerful runs, with ball-in-hand, that destroyed the WP junior side, during the Craven Week match that I watched, where he ran in four well executed tries (a not so common feat for someone playing in that position). He carried that form right through to Bok junior rugby, where he has twice represented them at the junior Rugby World Cups (2010 and 2011).
Siya made his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers this season, and he has been in terrific form, ever since replacing the injured Schalk Burger on the side of the scrum. At only 20 years, a lot is still expected from him, and seeing as he’s currently the only ethnic black player in the Stormers run-on side, I’m told he is a role model to most black kids coming through in the Cape townships. Those who have played with him have also echoed his leadership capabilities, and hopefully we’ll be seeing him in the Stormers leadership team in a few years to come.
The big question though is, will he go astray and follow in the footsteps of the late Tybilika (once a famous Bok flank whose career was wrecked by ill-discipline) OR he’ll leave up to the hype that has already been created?
Wat sey?
Coach...
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4 comments:
But this is the problem Coach..let the young man play. I listened to Bobby Skinstad commenting (the very first match) that he’s punching above his weight..i took offense..let the youngster play. Bo role model, leadership structures lokhu kuza landela if kuyalandela. That’s where most of our black players are killed really. We make too much of a noise.a different noise to a Hougaard stepping into the Fdp shoes.
He’s very good this youngster and in fact I have a challenge for you wena Coach. You;ve seen these young men, you have access to them, you know the age old story of the Tyibilikas with ill discipline, not knowing what to o with the man of the match monies that they sometimes get, not having a farm to fall back on - how about developing a support structure for them. You have access to your TJ’s who can be financial and professional role models, who can give them access to financial advisors and mentors outside of the sporting fraternity? Why boss why! All good and well to write about these guys but we write almost looking at them from the sidelines to see how fast they are going to fall into that stereotype,having seen it happen many times...lets do jo!
Valerie Kesentseng Tapela
She called it
I especially like her comment on Bobby Skinstad. Bobby must remember he was given a chance as a laaigtie and did anybody say he was punching above his weight?
He must remember he himself crashed and burnt out literally and was given a lifeline which is rarely done.
He must thank his lucky stars for that and recognize game as game was recognized in him too
She called it indeed. RIP our angel.
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