Local rugby lad grabs the green and gold

The Castle Lager Incoming Series encounter between the Boks and the English is a day which will be cherished by friends and family of S’bu. He made his debut for the Springboks on Saturday.

S’busiso Romeo Nkosi was born on January 21, 1996 in Barberton Hospital.

Sports editor of Lowvelder caught up with his mother, Connie, on Tuesday in Barberton. 

She is a very reserved person and humble about her eldest son’s rugby achievements.

“I think I will get used to speaking more openly about S’bu. Well. I guess I have no other choice,” said Connie with a smile.

S’bu was named after his father, who sadly passed away in 2008 in a car accident. Since then Connie had to raise her three kids, S’bu, Sanele (20) and Lindelwa (12) on her own.

S’bu went to Barberton Primary whereafter at the end of his grade 10 year in Barberton High School, he was offered a full scholarship at Jeppe Boys in Johannesburg.

The speedster was selected to represent the Pumas at the u/16 Grant Khomo Week where S’bu was noticed by Ronald Whyte of Jeppe.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to make. I mulled over the idea a lot of times. What if my son gets injured and won’t be able to play rugby anymore? S’bu knows how important education is and he is currently studying part-time,” said Connie.

“Ronald kept on phoning and phoning. We agreed to go see him in Johannesburg. I have no regrets. I missed him dearly, but now I know it was the right decision.”

Connie works for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison as a provincial inspector in Mbombela. S’bu’s father was a warden at correctional services.

As a young boy S’bu was very active, always running around the house. Connie said that S’bu competed in various sports.

“He did athletics, soccer, cricket and rugby. But his dad told him that he can only choose one sport and so he decided to stick to rugby. S’bu and one of his friends, Stefan (Botha), used to play rugby in our backyard.”

“S’bu wanted to be a lawyer when he was grown up, but he was always talking about becoming a Springbok.”

S’bu and his brother Sanele stay together in Durban. Sanele graduated from Varsity College in Durban just last month.

S’bu hasn’t been home since the start of the Super Rugby season, but Connie and her son speak almost every day.

“It is not always possible as their training schedule is hectic, but as long as I hear his voice to know that he is doing well.”

Connie and nine members of the family got on a minibus on Saturday morning to go and support S’bu in Johannesburg.

“His dad would have been over the moon, but I know he keeps an eye on S’bu. Every parent wants the best for their child. I humbly want to thank everyone who has contributed to his journey. It is in my heart to thank those for where he is today.”

Sharks coach Robert du Preez on S’bu Nkosi

“S’bu is a very humble and respectful young man, who has worked really hard to get to where he is now. He will go a long way in his rugby career because of his work ethic. His selection for the Springboks is a big reward for the hard work he’s put in. He’s still got a lot more to offer and we
are going to see a lot more of him as he grows and gets more experience at test level.”