Sibusiso and Kabelo run out for SA school squad

Grade 12 Jeppe Boys Kabelo Mokheti (scrum half) and Sibusiso Shongwe (prop) were recently selected for the South African Schools A rugby team that will be playing a series of matches against international squads in Cape Town in August.

The two budding stars were selected at the Craven Week when they both performed well in a Golden Lions side.

Both players said they are humbled to follow in the footsteps of Jeppe Old Boys like Wandisile Simelane, Tyrone Green and Hacjivah Dayimani.

Kaebelo and Sibusiso attend Jeppe Boys on scholarships and their stories are similar on how they got into the sport.

Kabelo said he was initially not interested in the sport and aimed to pursue soccer.

“I was fast and the rugby coach noticed me. The rugby team had injuries and were short of players. I was invited to play and I soon realised I had great potential. I committed myself and started taking it seriously,” said Kabelo.

Sibusiso’s journey also started with no interest but he was instructed to play because of his physical advantage.

“I was the chubby boy in school and was recruited for the team because of my size. But as I got older, I saw the benefit of the sport and my interest grew,” said Sibusiso.

The players said the sport exposed them to various opportunities and they realised the potential of growing in the sport.

The boys were scouted and offered scholarships to attend Jeppe.

“When Jeppe Boys approached me, I did not know what to expect. I went with my father to a Jeppe Boys vs KES game. The culture, team spirit and support we saw that day was the deciding factor to grab the opportunity.

“We are a family and when we play, we play with heart and that’s what makes Jeppe Boys special,” said Kabelo.

Sibusiso said the way the school embraced him during his visit made him fall in love with the school.

“The school inspired me and made me want to be part of Jeppe Boys. It was the right fit for me considering the school’s history in grooming black players, the brotherhood, culture and discipline,” said Sibusiso.

The two players draw inspiration from different players but they always remember those who went before them and look at how far they have come in their careers.

“Players like Muzi Manyike and Karel Zowitsky from the class of 2018 encourage and inspire us because we know where they come from. They were always willing to help and offer advice when we needed it. They are an example of hard work and dedication,” said Kabelo.

“I’m grateful to all the coaches and teachers who have played a role in making me a good player. It has not been easy. There were times I wanted to give up because of an injury and also self-doubt because of my body size. But I conquered the challenges by getting fit and training harder,” said Sibusiso.

The boys both hope to play professional rugby and their first choice is to run out for the Golden Lions.

Kabelo plans to study LLB Law with Wits University and Sibusiso is working towards studying BCom accounting.

The pair will be off to Cape Town for a training camp, ahead of their opening match against the French u-18 team on August 9.

The team will play Wales on August 13 and Argentina on August 17.