PRIDE soared through the roof for Amanzimtoti Youth Rugby Club as 88 of its colts players tried out for the KZN Duikers team from August 8-10, across five age groups. A total of 33 boys and four girls made the cut.

Chairperson of the youth club, Dirk Smit, proudly congratulated all the players on their selection.

“This is a fantastic achievement, and we are extremely proud of every player who has been selected. We wish you all the very best with your preparations and the upcoming IPT tour. Please, we encourage all the boys and girls who did not make the team to remain committed to training and attending games. A call-up is always possible, so please keep working hard, stay positive and be ready for your opportunity. To our coaches, managers and parents, the early mornings, long drives, the washing of muddy kit, this is what it builds up to,” said Smit.

Players who made the provincial teams

Boys

U13

Colby Flemming

Luhan Venter

Mpumelelo Khuzwayo

Snakokonke Mkhize

Samuel Ugocukwu

U14

Connor Pretorius

Jamy-Jay Kruger

JJ Loots

Ngoni Nyandeni

WD Loots

Zenande Ngogoma

U15

Aiden Watson

Andre Warden

Caiden Jooste

Franco Harmse

Japheth Onwuama

Jayden Swanepoel

Kai Bester

Mokhetsoa Sibisi

U16

Bayanda Mkhize

David-John White

Jamie du Plooy

Lian Botes

Lwandile Sithole

Mongi Nxumalo

Ruben Smit

Thomas Denyssen

U18

Jaiden Laidlaw

Jaryd Westray

Nqaba Willie

Rikus de Klerk

Tristan Swart

Zenande Majola

Girls

U15

Amber Vorster

Mika Kunneke

U17

Chanté De Wet

Tyla Kruger

Smit explained that some of these players will represent the Northern side, while others will represent the Southern side.

“Please note that this is a self-funded tour, and at this stage, there is no financial support available from any organisation or sponsor. The tour cost for 2026 is R12 500 per player. The tour will take place during the October school holidays in Kempton Park from September 27 to October 3.”

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