Four Alex Wolves Rugby Club players flew the Alexandra flag high in the Western Cape, competing in Golden Lions colours at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Foundation U15 Iqhawe Week, according to coach Khula Msuthwana.

Thabang Mathabatha, Imivuyo Suzani, Blessing Mashele and Sanele Xavana’s rise to the national stage did not happen overnight. Msuthwana said it was a lengthy process that took them through the local schools’ Vuka U15 programme, the Legends Cup and three rounds of trials before they were counted among those who would represent the Golden Lions in Worcester, Western Cape, between September 28 and October 1.

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Msuthwana said the boys represented Alexandra well, and their talent showed in the opening game.

The Lions faced Boland, who had fielded two sides in the tournament, and secured a 36–20 victory.

The second game, against Boland’s other side, was far more challenging, and the Lions lost the momentum they had built. “The game was tough because Boland was hosting, and they had a lot of supporters. From the onset, you could see that our boys appeared intimidated,” Msuthwana said. Boland ran in early tries to beat the Lions 36–7.

Still, the Lions fought to the final game. Even when the Sharks, in their last game, took an early lead and the Lions trailed for the entire first half, the players never lost heart. “Sharks were leading 17–15. We spoke to the boys, and when they came back for the second half, they were on fire. Our score went to 43, while the Sharks remained on 20,” Msuthwana recalled.

Thabang, the Alex Wolves flyhalf who captained the Lions to their opening victory, had a remarkable first game and was named Man of the Match. “I trusted and knew that we would win the game if we kept our structure,” he said. “Coach told me to play what I know and not change the structure. He said for us to win, we have to do exactly what we were doing at the gym.”

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Msuthwana said Thabang was among those who showed there is real talent in Alexandra. “In the first and last games, he was pushing the team. He was mostly leading by example, not by talking,” the coach said. He added that Blessing, a scrumhalf who was given a chance to play fullback, was also among those who helped seal the victory.

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