Former ‘Buffels’ shine in u/21 Currie Cup
Ben Vorster High School continues its rugby legacy as former players excel with the u/21 Pumas in the Currie Cup Shield.
TZANEEN – Ben Vorster High School has long established itself as one of the country’s leading schools in developing rugby talent.
Over the years, the school has produced stars such as Renzo du Plessis, recently selected for the Springboks, and Trevor Nyakane, among many others.
Currently, three former Vossie players are making their mark with the u/21 Pumas team: Nkateko Phakula, Divan Spangenberg, and Ewald Kirstein, all of whom competed in the Currie Cup Shield u/21.
N K A T E K O P H A K U L A
Phakula joined the Pumas last year after completing his matric. He first played for the u/19 team, then captained the u/20s, and this year proudly wore the captain’s armband for the u/21 Currie Cup Shield side.
His rugby journey began at Jack and Jill, before moving to Dr Annecke Primary School and later to Ben Vorster High School, where his life took a new direction. At the Vossies, he played for the u/14 and u/15 sides, and also represented the Limpopo Blue Bulls at the u/16 level.
Reflecting on his journey, Phakula said the rugby standard at Ben Vorster is among the best in the province. “The school did wonders for me. Even when I was injured, my coaches encouraged me not to give up. I’ll forever be grateful to the school and to my teammates who gave everything on the field so that the team could succeed.”
E W A L D K I R S T E I N
This year, both Kirstein and Spangenberg also featured in the u/21 Currie Cup for the Pumas. Kirstein’s rugby story began in Pretoria, before moving to Ellisras High School, where he played first-team rugby. Last year, he earned a scholarship to Ben Vorster, where he captained the Buffels, the Vossie first team.
For Kirstein, rugby is about more than the game itself.
“It’s a privilege to play this sport because it brings people together. On the field, we fight hard, but off the field, we shake hands and say, ‘Well done.’ Rugby is like family; it teaches discipline and respect.”
D I V A N S P A N G E N B E R G
Divan, son of Ben Vorster’s head of sport and rugby coach, Frikkie Spangenberg, started his rugby journey in Krugersdorp. There, he represented Noordvaal, played for the Lions Academy u/18 team, and served as head boy.
He later joined his father at Ben Vorster, where he excelled on the rugby field and secured an opportunity with the Pumas after matric.
His father, Frikkie, shared this advice with his son. “If you keep putting in the work and remain disciplined, bigger doors will open.”
