Nama makes Junior Boks training squad
This rising star said that his family has been very involved in his development as a rugby player since day one.
VRYHEIDERS recently flooded Nama Xaba’s timeline with messages of support following his big-break into the Junior Springboks team.
Having spent the first two years of his life in Ncome, Nama’s family moved to Vryheid in 1999 where most of his childhood memories were made.
“I can definitely say that I had a very active childhood, surrounded by my four siblings, as well as cousins. There was always something to do,” Nama recalled.
This rising star said that his family has been very involved in his development as a rugby player since day one.
“Although they were often unable to be present at the games I played away from home, my parents always ensured I had everything I needed in order to be at my best,” he said, adding that it is the prayers from his family members that have brought him this far.
Being the second youngest child at home, Nama said that he learned a lot about rugby from his older brothers who played. They ignited his passion for the game.
“Our involvement in rugby has really made my broader family more aware of the sport and its opportunities,” he explained.
It seems that making it into the Junior Springboks has been a long time coming for Nama, who said that he has had dreams of playing for the Springboks when he was just six years old.
“The very first time I played was in 2004 for NRS against Pongola. I knew nothing about the game but I was a big kid. My coach at the time, Mrs Grobbelaar, stood under the poles and I was given the ball. She told me to run to her and put the ball down, and I did. When everyone started cheering I felt the love for the game and it has been there ever since,” he recalled fondly.
From thereon his rugby journey commenced and he recalls his most memorable moment was when his team beat Affies (The Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool ) in an away match at Affies, when he played for Glenwood in 2014.
The Junior Springbok said that he is highly grateful to everyone in his hometown who has showed their support especially his primary school coaches, his friends and his family.
He is hoping to captain the Springboks some day and, having made it this far, the possibilities are endless.
