South Crest resident Mervedi Ndomba (17) is steadily making a name for himself on the rugby field after being selected to represent the Gauteng U17 Academy Week team.

It is a milestone he describes as one of the biggest achievements of his sporting journey.

The Grade 11 learner at Jeppe High School for Boys represented Gauteng at Gauteng U17 Academy Week, held at Bergsig Special School in Kariega (Uitenhage) in the Eastern Cape.

Mervedi said being selected was the result of months of hard work, consistent performances at school fixtures and major rugby festivals.

“I was selected through trials and by being watched during our school games. We don’t really play tournaments at Jeppe, but we play fixtures and attend festivals like Noord-Suid and the Wildeklawer Rugby Festival.

“Those are the events where you have to perform if you want opportunities like this,” he said.

The week-long tournament exposed him to a higher level of competition, with the Gauteng U17 squad competing against mostly U18 players from across the country.

“It was an amazing experience. I learnt a lot, made new friends and improved as a rugby player. Playing against older boys helped me gain confidence,” he said.

Mervedi, who plays on both the loose and tight sides of the scrum, said the academy week also helped him develop the technical aspects of his game.

“I’m naturally stronger in loose play, but the coaches, Mr Van der Merwe and coach Vark, really helped me improve in the tighter positions.”

His rugby journey began at the age of seven during primary school.

“I started because of my friends. I thought it would just be something fun, but over time I realised God had given me a talent.”

Since then, he has achieved several milestones, including selection for the U12 A-Line squad, the U13 Craven Week B-side, the U16 Grant Khomo team and now the Gauteng U17 Academy Week side.

However, the road has not always been smooth. Mervedi admitted that anxiety and a lack of confidence nearly ruined his progress last year.

“I used to perform well during training, but when it came to match day I would get into my own head and not perform. I even got dropped to the B-side because of my confidence.”

He said a conversation with a close friend helped change his mindset.

“Last year I made rugby feel like a job. This year I remembered to have fun. I give everything to God and just enjoy playing. The Lord does the rest.”

Balancing rugby and academics, particularly while studying arts, remains one of his biggest challenges.

“I’m still learning to manage everything. School and rugby both come with unexpected challenges, so I’m just trying to cope as best I can.”

Mervedi hopes to pursue rugby professionally after school.

“The goal is to play professionally. Next year I’m hoping to fight for contracts in France and continue building my rugby career.”

His mother, Patricia Ndomba, said what began as weekend fun quickly became something much bigger.

“At first, it was just games and supporting him on weekends. As time went on, I realised it wasn’t just fun anymore. Rugby is his talent. He was born for it and gives it his all.”

She said watching her son grow into a disciplined young man has been her greatest reward.

“I’m very proud of the man he’s becoming. He’s focused, disciplined and always tries to do his best while balancing school and sport. My prayer is to see him become a professional player because I know that is his dream.”

Mervedi also credited several people for helping him reach this point, including his mother, his friend Mthunzi ‘Steve’ Msibi, former first-team players Glodi Tshipamba and Lethabo Mashao, Mr van Staden, who trains him during the December holidays, coach Thando, who coached him during U13 Craven Week, and his academy week coaches.

“They all pushed me to become better. They believed in me, even when I doubted myself.”

With the rugby season nearing its end, Mervedi’s focus has shifted to Jeppe’s upcoming King Price Derby before concluding the season against Parktown, as he continues working towards his dream of playing rugby on the international stage.