Twin brothers Siphesihle and Thubelihle Marule have made Uplands College rugby history after their selection for the Pumas at Craven Week.

Both brothers were selected to represent the Pumas at the prestigious FNB U18 Craven Week, held at Grey High School in Gqeberha from July 5 to 11. Their selection marked an important milestone for Uplands rugby.

“The last Craven Week player to come from Uplands was Warwick Tecklenburg in 2006, which was 20 years ago,” said Brandon Potgieter, Uplands Craven Week coach.

Outstanding achievements

Both brothers delivered exceptional performances during the tournament. Thubelihle scored the Pumas’ opening try of their Craven Week campaign and went on to score twice in their match against Griquas.
Siphesihle also crossed the try line in that encounter, demonstrating the impact both brothers made at the provincial level.

Thubelihle was named man of the match after the Pumas’ performance against Border, while Siphesihle’s outstanding performances earned him selection for the SA Schools A squad, placing him among the country’s leading schoolboy rugby players. His inclusion represented not only an exceptional personal achievement, but also a proud moment for his family, coaches and the entire Uplands community.

Siphesihle was named in the starting team for the match between SA Schools A and SA Schools at Grey High School on July 16. The SA Schools A side produced a memorable comeback to secure a thrilling 34-33 victory.

The brothers joined Uplands in Grade Eight in 2023 through the Kgwale Le Mollo Foundation. Neither had played rugby before arriving at Uplands, yet they embraced the game with enthusiasm and quickly developed into outstanding young sportsmen.

Uplands College congratulates Siphesihle and Thubelihle on their achievements and acknowledges the coaches, teachers, mentors, family members and teammates who have supported their journey.