Alberton’s Junior Molebatsi earns Lions selection after just two years of rugby

At just 12 years old, Alberton youngster Junior Molebatsi is already making big strides in rugby, having earned selection for the Lions U12 and the Lions Sevens side.

What makes his progress even more remarkable is that Junior only started playing rugby when he was 11.

“I started playing rugby because I saw it’s fun and it’s nice and physical, and I like physical things,” he said.

The Grade 6 learner from General Alberts Primary School has quickly developed a passion for the sport, training almost every day while keeping up with his schoolwork.

His rugby commitments sometimes require him to leave school early, but Junior said his teachers understand his sporting commitments and support him.

Training usually takes place from 14:30 to 16:00, although the youngster also travels to Hoërskool Florida in Roodepoort for some of his rugby activities.

The journey is part of his development after he was selected for the Lions.

Junior said his pathway to the Lions began in 2025 when he was selected for the Red Squad around November.

The Red Squad forms part of the process towards making the Lions, and Junior was eventually informed around March this year that he had been selected.

“I was excited because I worked very hard for it,” he said.

Despite his hard work, the selection still came as a surprise.

Provincial tournament success

Since joining the Lions, Junior has continued to build his experience, including competing in tournaments.

In July, he played in a tournament in Klerksdorp in the North West, where his team reached the final before losing to the Blue Bulls.

Junior was selected for the Lions Sevens side in July and is set to compete in a tournament in Bloemfontein in September.

According to his parents, he was the only U12 player from his school selected for the Lions Sevens side.

Junior’s rugby journey reached another milestone on August 29 when he captained the Easterns Ace U12 team against Sentraal-Wes A.

His team won the match, giving the young winger another opportunity to develop his leadership skills.

Dreaming of the Springbok jersey

For Junior, the ambition does not stop with the Lions.

His ultimate dream is to one day wear the green and gold of the Springboks.

“I want to go to a good high school and one day put the green and gold over my head,” he said.

He also wants to establish himself in every A team he represents and hopes to captain them one day, although he admits leadership opportunities can be difficult for a winger.

Junior plays on the wing, mainly at left wing but also at right wing, and looks up to Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe, who has played on both wings.

“He plays the same position as me and he shows me how to visualise what’s happening on the field and how to step, how to pass, how to catch in the air,” Junior said.

Developing life skills under pressure

Beyond the physical side of rugby, the youngster believes the sport has helped him develop skills he can use away from the field.

He said rugby has taught him to remain calm and composed, particularly when dealing with pressure.
“Pressure gets too much, but sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and just control it,” he said.
Junior also believes nerves before a match can be a good thing.

“It makes you tackle well, run well, but if you’re not nervous, I don’t think that is a good thing,” he said.

Family support and future ambitions

His parents, Louise du Pisanie and Nthabiseng Mosete, have played an important role in his journey.

Louise introduced him to rugby after playing the sport herself, while Nthabiseng believes watching rugby players while attending his sisters’ hockey matches also helped spark his interest.

The family has since invested heavily in supporting Junior’s development, from travelling to matches and training to providing additional training opportunities.

“He’s dedicated as well, both academically and in sport,” Nthabiseng said.

Louise added that the family also gives him extra lessons and ensures he gets as much rugby exposure as possible through additional training programmes.

The support extends beyond training and competitions.

Junior’s parents said one of the biggest challenges they have noticed is how hard he is on himself when he feels he has not performed at his best.

“He wants to be the best in everything that he does, so sometimes he does beat himself up if he doesn’t feel like he did his best,” they said.

Injuries are another concern as he progresses in a physical sport such as rugby, with the family already taking steps to help him manage his physical demands.

Balancing rugby and school has also required discipline, but his parents believe the sport has helped Junior become more disciplined.

With rugby commitments taking up much of his week, Junior still makes time for his schoolwork and enjoys playing games and spending time with his friends when he is not on the field.

For his parents, watching his rapid development has been a source of immense pride.

They said they did not expect him to progress so quickly after taking up the sport only two years ago.
“He’s only been playing rugby for two years and he’s excelling,” Louise said.

And while his parents jokingly hope he could become the next Siya Kolisi, Junior already has his own clear vision of where he wants rugby to take him.

For now, he is focused on learning, improving and taking every opportunity that comes his way, with the green and gold firmly in his sights.