Our S’fiso selected for SA U/18 rugby squad

The 17-year-old S’fiso Magawaza from Monument High School is well on his way to realising his dream of one day becoming an international rugby player.

S’fiso recently was chosen to be part of the South African U/18 rugby squad that will be taking on the Georgian U/18 team this month.

The talented specialist loose head prop started his rugby career in Grade 1 at Laerskool Van Dyk Primary in Boksburg. He told the News that he played soccer as well, but when he was chosen for the U/12 inter-provincial rugby team, his focus shifted to rugby only.

It was right there that Monnas coach and rugby head, Tjaart van der Walt, noticed the young boy play, and he was invited to attend Monnas and play rugby for them.

Tjaart described S’fiso as a focused, quiet young man who works hard and has an admirable work ethic.

“He does not take nonsense from anyone, though. His focus is rugby. We are very proud of his exceptional achievements, and hope he will do well in Georgia.”

It was a huge relief for S’fiso when he heard the news that he had been chosen for the team, as the pandemic and lockdown have had an immense impact on all the boys. Keeping motivated was difficult for him at first, but he said he ran 3km every day in December to keep fit, and goes to the gym every day.

“Making the squad was everything I have been working for; a huge honour and blessing.”

When he runs out onto the field next year he will be the only one to have played in a Lions jersey.

S’fiso wants to play oversees in the near future. The Crusaders are his favourite team as he admires their team spirit and the brotherhood among the players.

S’fiso message to those who want to make rugby a career is to ignore the non-believers who say you will fail because you will hear less from them as you succeed.

“I have had and still have people hating me and yes, I have been told I won’t make it. I can’t say I am an angel or perfect, nor am I a dream come true, but I am trying to make a name for myself. It can be confusing when elders like teachers or coaches hate you or tell you you won’t make it, or who do not believe in you. Use the negativity as fuel and keep going.”

He said he had spent cold, dark mornings and long nights in the trenches that nobody knew about, but that it is his life and he has to benefit from it.

He celebrates every day because it could be the last day he played.

“My heart is in a better place; my mind is in a different state; I don’t really care about the negative comments. It is about how many lives you can change; how many minds you can liberate.”

He said when he saw Morne Brandon and Henco van Wyk playing at the first Witbulle game he ever watched, it changed his life.

“All I can say is, believe through all the ups downs, and stay hungry and never satisfied.”

However, everything S’fiso does, he does for his parents and the people back home.