LIMPOPO – Talented young rugby player Khuthadzo ‘Khuti’ Rasivhaga (19) from Kutama-Tshikwarani outside Louis Trichardt is making a name for himself on the international stage after being part of the junior Springboks who won the World Rugby u/20 championship.

The Sharks player recently scored a hat-trick as South Africa defeated England 53-37 in one of the tournament’s standout matches.

A journey that started in Gr 3

Rasivhaga’s rugby journey began at the age of nine while he was in Gr 3 at Laerskool Louis Trichardt. His talent was quickly recognised, earning him selection for the Limpopo Blue Bulls u/12 and u/13 teams.

His performances attracted scholarship offers from several leading rugby schools, including Garsfontein High School, King Edward VII School (KES) and Jeppe High School for Boys. He eventually chose Jeppe High School for Boys because of its strong rugby culture.

“I received a five-year rugby scholarship at Jeppe. I had the opportunity to play for the first team in both Gr 11 and Gr 12. During those years I earned Craven Week u/18 colours twice, and in my matric year, 2024, I was selected for the South African Schools u/18 team,” he said.

From schoolboy prospect to Sharks debutant

Following his outstanding school career, Rasivhaga received offers from the Sharks, Lions and Bulls. He chose to join the Sharks.

“In 2025 I represented the Sharks u/21 team during our successful campaign and also made my Currie Cup debut at the age of 18,” he said.

His rapid progress continued this year when he was selected for the junior Springboks.

“I represented South Africa u/20 throughout the season, starting with a tour to Georgia, followed by the u/20 Rugby Championship and the World Rugby u/20 championship. We won both competitions, and I scored five tries during the World Championship to help the team lift the trophy,” he said.

Books and boots

Away from the rugby field, Rasivhaga is a second-year B.Comm student, balancing his academic studies with his sporting career.

He said his childhood rugby heroes were Cheslin Kolbe and Aphiwe Dyantyi, while he now looks up to French international Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

Rasivhaga also paid tribute to his grandmother, Florence Molokana, for the role she played in helping him pursue his dream.

“My grandmother played a major role in making sure I succeeded in following my rugby dream. Her encouragement and support have always motivated me to work hard and believe in myself,” he said.

“Talent has no colour”

He encouraged young people, particularly those from rural communities, not to see rugby as a sport reserved for certain races.

“There is no sport that belongs to one race. As black players we are sometimes underestimated, but that should motivate us to work even harder and prove that talent has no colour,” he said.

Rasivhaga urged young people to stay focused on their goals and avoid negative influences.

“My message to the youth is to find something positive that will keep you busy and help you develop as a person. It is easy to be influenced by drugs and crime during difficult times, but you must stay strong and focus on where you want to be in the next five or 10 years. Everything you do today should help you achieve that vision,” he said.