What is it about South African rugby with a scrum cap and a sidestep? It awakens something exceptional on a rugby field. And just when we thought we had seen it all – all the exploits of Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and the others that have come after them, the Sharks have unlocked a gem this season. Their Vodacom United Rugby Championship may be over, but 18-year-old former Westville pupil Zekhethelo Siyaya has hardly been out of school for a year, and already he is
carving up fields in the URC. JP Pietersen’s belief in Siyaya has paid off, and the youngster, with zero fear of failure, has decided to make a name for himself without anyone asking. It is not surprising, given the exceptional path he has had, and the slippery sidestepper has already been noticed by those around the competition. And those a bit higher up as well, as Siyaya was last week invited to the Springbok alignment camp, meaning his exploits have already been noticed by Springbok
coach Rassie Erasmus. Siyaya came on against the Ospreys, was exceptional against Edinburgh, and signed off the season with a brace of tries against Zebre Parma. In four appearances, he has made a name for himself and will be remembered for a long time. He has played 10 and 15, and certainly is seen as the future of Sharks rugby on the current evidence. “It seems like he’s been [playing] there for ages, and he’s only 18 years old,” Pietersen said in his verdict of
Siyaya. “He had a good couple of moments, but man, I’m so happy for that kid to show how he expressed and backed himself. “He’s a young man who just loves the Sharks, and it’s clear to see. His love for the union filters through to the whole team. “And he gives everything, that’s the beauty of it in the way he plays. “He answered my questions at No 10 that he can do the job in that position.” A scrumcap and a sidestep. In
South African talent terms, that’s a deadly combination, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
Zekhethelo Siyaya, Sharks, Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Springbok alignment camp, Rassie Erasmus, JP Pietersen, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Ospreys, Edinburgh, Zebre Parma