Category Archives: Rugby

Curwin Bosch a once-in-a-generation player

April 19, 2017 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Cape Town – Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers believes Sharks playmaker Curwin Bosch is an exceptional talent who should be managed properly.

The 19-year-old has taken the rugby world by storm with his performances for the Sharks in this year’s Super Rugby competition.

De Villiers, who coached the Springboks between 2008 and 2011, expressed his views on Bosch via a column for Kwese Sports.

De Villiers believes Bosch is a player with “x-factor and flair”, but has called on Bosch’s coaches to allow him the “freedom to express” himself on the park.

De Villiers used former Springbok utility back Brent Russell as an example of a player who never reached his full potential because of being forced to follow a certain game style.

“Russell had an extraordinary ability as a rugby player to beat defenders with his pace off the mark and stepping ability. But some coaches tried to change his attacking nature to fit into the South African way of playing. Unfortunately it didn’t work out…” De Villiers wrote.

Bosch has shown himself to be equally adept at fullback and flyhalf, but De Villiers called for the player to be utilised in one position.

“Curwin Bosch has more rugby ability in his DNA than many coaches and players put together. Because such a talented player is so rare, he is tricky to work with and very difficult to coach,” De Villiers continued.

“These ‘once-in-a-generation’ talents can play anywhere, in any position, and will do better than most of the players. But they should be destined for one position, and one position only.

“Do not let us walk the same bumpy road with Bosch as we did with natural talents like Russell, Francois Steyn and others, making them fill in where we have a problem or a hole to fill.”

De Villiers called for Bosch to receive the best support structures possible.

“This kid will bring South African rugby fans so much joy over the next decade if he is properly managed, because he already has the maturity at a such young age. He is truly FAT player. Faithful, Available and Teachable…”

As Springbok coach, De Villiers won the 2009 Tri-Nations, as well as a series win over the British and Irish Lions that same year.

During his tenure, he boasted five wins out of 11 Tests against the All Blacks – a better record than most Bok coaches in recent times.

De Villiers was the director of rugby at the University of the Western Cape between 2012 and 2015, but has since struggled to find work in rugby.

Read De Villiers’ full column on Kwese Sports

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Young Game Changers: Xolisa Guma

January 14, 2017 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Young Xolisa shares on his special MOMENTS of 2016: his 50th Cap for Maritzburg College rugby, his call-up to debut at the Sharks and his final decision to commit to to the Blue Bulls. His story is drenched with so much gratefulness towards all the special people in his life, so much love and faith towards our God who makes all this possible and so much energy and positivity for the future. All the best young champion. Thank you for your love and humility towards so many – you are a real game changer, not only in sports but in life!

Get to know him further here – http://heslopsports.co.za/wp/xolisa/

Xolisa Guma

Playing my 50th cap for Maritzburg College and 53 caps in total

It was a really special moment of my school boy rugby career to be able to Don the Redblackwhite hoops 50 times was just a true reflection of what kind of blessings God can bless us with. I never imagined such an Achievement but only God knew. To be the first boy to ever play 50th caps for Maritzburg College, that’s just God’s work. I thank the Almighty so much ❤? On my 50th cap I didn’t want the personal milestone to cloud my mind because my sole priority was to helping the team to win against a very strong Hilton side.

Me running out first because it was my 50th cap? I was not particularly interested in that. I was more interested in the game. The reality is that there were far more important things that weekend than me winning my 50th, but it was a special moment and I ended up scoring a phenomenal try and we won that game.

Photo Credits: Neville Bailey

Call up to the u/19 Sharks Currie cup Team

Sometimes I ask myself how could one not Believe in God’s work because that June/July I was supposed to go home but a voice inside me told me not to go home, but I didn’t understand why.

We were having lunch with my Maritzburg guardians Margie Heral and Dennis Heral. These people have been good to me, so while we were having lunch I got a message from the Sharks saying that they would love me to train with them. I suddenly realized that the small voice that told me to stay was Gods voice. I was suddenly worried about how I was going to get to training. Everyday as I was in Maritzburg and Durban was far, so I reminded myself of Mathew 6:34 – Then have no care for tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Take the trouble of the day as it comes.

It happened that I was going to visit the Lujiva family in Ballito and Mam Zama was happy to take me to practice everyday at Kings Park Stadium, which I was very Grateful. When I got there everyone was so welcoming. I knew lot of players so it was easy to slot in. I trained with them the first week of the holidays. The second week I trained with them, the coach said he wanted me to make my debut that weekend against Western Province. I was so happy and grateful for opportunities God was giving me. I called my Guardian in Maritzburg and told them they were so happy and supportive. The Lujiva family even canceled their holiday trip because I was making my debut that weekend. I will forever be grateful for their support. Qhayiya , Hlumelo and their mother Mam Zama kept me really calm that week of my debut as I was a bit nervous. They have become family to me ❤

It was a great debut all my family and friends were there and I thank them. I was so humbled by the experience unfortunately we lost but it was a good game by the boys they really put the bodies on the line losing to a very good province side 15-16.

My decision on deciding to go to the Bulls next year

Not many people know but the Bulls were the first people to recognize my talent from a very young age of 16. Ever since they have been good to me in so many ways, so I can’t suddenly take them out of the picture. I have to be loyal to the people who gave me a chance when no one else wanted to. I believe that its Gods plan for me to go to the Bulls. Yes it wont be easy, nothing is easy, but I believe with hard work and prayer I will make it at the Bulls. They have a good junior structure and I am once again thankful for this opportunity they have given me. I am looking forward to the upcoming chapter of my life, but for now I am trying to focus on my studies ❤

Photo Credits: Neville Bailey

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Fresh & Hungry – Sibusiso Mkhize

November 26, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Today I hit you with a ‘Tsunami’ – a nickname rightfully given to a very hand working and talented young rugby player – Sibusiso Mkhize. He is driven, determined and set to rise above his circumstances. He was many leadership, academic and sports accolades behind his name. Sbu is grounded in his faith in Jesus, and has set his sails for success come rain or sun.

He says this about himself – “I’m an easy approachable person, self motivated and goal orientated . I am a A ball-winning hooked/flank, stocky and short side. Therefore it shouldn’t come as any surprise that Heinrich Brussouw is one of my role models. My favorite player, however, is Zimbabwean-born Australian international David Pocock. I want to take my rugby to the next level, I want to play Provincial rugby and further my education”.

PS – I was delighted to see that he is a fellow Dr. Eric Thomas fan :-).

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname	Sibusiso Mkhize
Nick Name	Sbu
Date of birth	6 June 1997
Place of birth	KZN Pietermaritzburg
Current City	Pietermaritzburg (KZN)
Height	177cm
Weight	93.2 kg
Shoe Size	10
Club	KZN Duikers U/18,Pmb Collegians U/18
Coach’s Name	Mr Deon Gericke
Secondary Sport/ sports	Athletics,Soccer and Basketball
Favorite City	Bloemfontein and Cape Town
Favorite Song/ type of music	Jonathan David_no longer the slave
Favorite Movie	Rambo series and Rocky (Creed) series
School & Grade	St Charle College, Grade 12
Twitter Instagram Facebook	@The_Tsunami_205 sbura_7 Sbusiso Mkhize
Community / church projects	Public speaking and physical training
Parents Names, siblings	Mrs Mkhize

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your Rugby tell me a little bit about how you started in Rugby and your journey in the Rugby arena up to now?

My passion began at the age of nine in the Ashdown township. My was mother, concerned for my health in the rugged game, it discouraged me at first, but that soon changed.

As time went by and I sneaked off to play rugby and was enjoying it, she saw me improving and she liked that.

My talent and ability was soon recognised and I was rewarded with selection to the Pietermaritzburg Districts team. My game kept growing after that.

Being offered a place at St Charles was life-changing. It was like a dream come true to me. I’m on a Jolivet legacy Award/ scholarship for rugby in since 2011.

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Rugby and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

Sports Achievements: 1st Team Rugby 50 caps, 1st Team 7s Rugby, 1st Team Soccer.

Sport Accolades: Full Colours for Rugby. Rugby Players Player of the year and GPE Trophy for the Rugby Player of the year 2016.

Kzn Duikers u/18 and PMB schools

Personal achievements being Awarded a rugby bursary at St Charles college. Leadership side,School Prefect, Co-Captain, Boarding Prefect and awards Public Sprit Award,Trisha White memorial Trophy(best boarder pupil) and Kelly Cup (best inspiration to the pupil)

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?

Education Can be classified as a right to certain people but to me education is the only key that has the power to open any door. Education gives you the audacity to make your own personal choices for your own future.

Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?

My faith in Jesus. It has been the core of my success. I was fortunate to be born in a Christian family so I made a decision at the early stage of my life to follow Jesus. My faith has played a big role by giving me an extra motivation and believe that in every situation there is man who’s in control.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I watch movies, series and I spend most of my free time in the gym

Q: One thing about you that the world does not know 🙂

I am superstitious person 🙂

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

“If it was easy everybody will do it” By Dr Eric Thomas.

Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?

Colossians 3:23 23: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life / how do you define a successful person?

Success is not defined by one thing. In my opinion, I believe success is about everyone accomplishing their set goals. There are no set meassurements or scale for success. A successful person is someone who has achieved their short and long term goals.

Q: What’s your WHY ?

I do what I do because I want to be the blueprint and the proof to everyone that, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we all have equal chances to make it. Everyone has 24 hours in a day, the difference is how we use our time.

My family, relatives, friends, my school and my Town is counting on me. From a township, broken background, going against all odds to make my life a success.

I want to be a true reflection of success and an inspirational story to the generations that comes after me.

Q: What are your immediate / short term plans for rugby 2017?

My main objective for 2017 is to play in a varsity cup, Carrie cup and my prime focus is on the u/20 Junior World Cup.

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

Home Olympics 2016 Rio Rugby Sports

Up Close with Olympian Philip Snyman

October 28, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Philip Snyman, Blizbok champion and 2016 Olympian speaks with wisdom, depth and insight about life, sport, faith and destiny. He was expectant for good results in Rio and I report with pride that he did brilliant at the Rio Olympics along with his team mates. He was also much honoured to have joined the 35 club of World Rugby Sevens Series earlier this year. Philip exudes such gratefulness, commitment and passion towards life and his sport – qualities that indeed make a man powerful.

Describing himself as a person he says, “ I am a husband, family man and team player who hates to disappoint people. I just want the best for the people close to me. I think I am also quite laid back”.

I like what he says about destiny “Always put an extra plate at the dinner table, so when destiny knocks on the door you can invite it in”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname	Philip Snyman
Nick Name	Phil
Date of birth	26/03/1987
Place of birth	Bloemfontein
Current City	Stellenboch
Height	188cm
Weight	95kg
Shoe Size	10
Club	Springbok 7’s (Blitzboks)
Coach’s Name	Neil Powell
Out of Country events	World Sevens Series
Secondary Sport/ sports	Rugby, Cricket, Swimming and Athletics
Favorite City	Cape Town
Favorite Song/ type of music	Kings of Leon, U2
Favorite Movie	A Knights tale
School & Grade	Grey College
Tertiary Inst Name/ Year	UOVS (Kovsies) 2008
Tertiary degree	Financial Management
Sponsors	ASICS; Tissot; Herbalife 24
Twitter and Instagram names, facebook name	Twitter – @snymanphilip Instagram – @philipsnyman Facebook – PhilipSnyman
Community projects involved in	Cornal Hendricks Foundation
Wife	Wife – Estee Snyman

INTERVIEW:

Before Rio:

Q: Firstly – congrats on all your recent brilliant rugby performances. And that you are part of the squad preparing for the Rio Olympics. What is on your heart and mind right now concerning this upcoming big event in Rio?

First of all, it is a massive honour and privilege to be part of the final squad traveling to Rio.

Our focus at this point in time is to be better every time we leave the training pitch and to “fine tune” all aspects of our game.

After Rio:

Your feedback of Rio Olympics?

The road to Rio we knew was going to be tough. We came through the season quite nicely ending second after Fiji, then it was time for Rio. The final squad was 19 guys competing for the 12 spots. I was very fortunate to be named as one of the 12. We then arrived in Rio, the village and facilities was fantastic, and amazing and the opening ceremony was was what every sports guy can dream of. The preps was good, being part of Team SA was very special. What made it truly amazing was sitting at a table in the dining hall and then Usain Bolt walks in with such a presence and then you realise what the hype around the Olympics really is all about.

At the tournament we all went hard and ended up at podium position with a Bronze. This was a massive honour and a privilege – something that I will cherish for a lifetime and the pinnacle of my career!

You know that the ball can bounce in any guy’s favour – that is part of the game.

Q: You became the ninth South African to reach the special milestone of 35 World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments at the Hong Kong Sevens. Your thoughts on this?

It was a wonderful achievement to join the 35 “club”, but what makes it even more special is to share it with all my teammates and family who are always there for me.

Q: How did you get started in Rugby?

Some of my earliest memories are with a rugby ball in hand!

Q: Who are you? Describe yourself as a person?

I am a husband, family man and team player who hates to disappoint people. I just want the best for the people close to me.

I think I am also quite laid back.

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Rugby and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

Being part of the Blitzboks, growing as a team and reaching our goals.

Personal- winning the World Sevens Series in 2008/2009.

Q: Why do you have so much respect for your coach?

Neil is honest, hard working, leads by example and he is a role model for the whole team.

Q: What do you do to relax?

Spend some time with friends and family- braai, go for a coffee etc.

Q: I believe you are a great coffee advocate and snob :-)? Do you want to share on this a little?

I’m not sure about that, but I enjoy a good cup of coffee and have a couple of manual brewing gadgets at home. I think I am a coffee enthusiast…okay, maybe a fanatic!

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

Always put an extra plate at the dinner table, so when destiny knocks on the door you can invite it in.

Q: Do you want to share a little on your faith journey for far in sport and life?

I believe one can achieve anything if you put your trust in the Lord, believe in yourself and work really hard.

Q: What is your leadership style, having had this leadership position in the team recently.

I am a firm believer of leading by example.

Q: What’s your WHY?

I want to live my life to the fullest of my potential, let God’s light shine through me and leave this world a better place than I found it.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

A big thanks to the whole of South Africa who supports us through thick and thin – we wish to make you proud in the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio.

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.

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Catching up with our Olympians – Rosko Specman

July 30, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Today I am celebrating the journey and paying tribute to the struggles and victories of one of SA’s Rugby 7’s greats – Rosko Speckman. This Blitzbok is now also an honoured SA Olympian ready for take off in Rio at the Olympics. He is a great game changer, a humble man and man of deep faith. Just earlier this year he won the DHL Impact player of the tournament award in Wellington NZ, were he was rewarded for his consistency and top performance. This award honours try-takers and try-makers, thus players who cuts through, create spaces and enable opportunities in the game. It all boils down to team work.

Sharing on his faith “Coming from a less privileged background I’ve also seen how far you can succeed when have Faith in God”.

About himself he says “As a person I come across quite stern and serious, but I’m actually always making jokes and having a laugh. I consider myself a people’s person, also hard working and determined when it comes to my job”.

Photo credits: Eunice Visagie/Outsider Communications

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname	Rosko Specman
Nick Name	Speckmagic
Date of birth	28 April 1989
Place of birth	Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
Current City	Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Height	1.72 cm
Weight	83kg
Shoe Size	Size 7
Club	South Africa 7s – Springbok Sevens
Coach’s Name	Neil Powell
Out of Country events	HSBC World Series tournaments 2014-2016
Favorite City	Cape Town
Favorite Song / type of music	RnB
Favorite Movie	Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z Animation
School & Grade	Matric 2007 Mary Waters Secondary School
Tertiary degree/ diploma	Post Matric Certificate 2008 Kingswood College
Sponsors	Nike and Herbalife
Twitter Instagram Facebook	Twitter – Speckmagic11 Instagram – Speckmagic Facebook – Rosco Speckmagic Speckman
Wife/ Parents Names, siblings/ (partner)	Parents – Merle and Joseph Specman Siblings – Velencia Dirkse and Rodriques Specman Partner – Amber Cupido

Photo credits: Eunice Visagie/Outsider Communications

INTERVIEW:

Q: Firstly – congrats on all your recent brilliant rugby performances. And wow, being on the squad preparing for the Rio Olympics. What is on your heart and mind right now concerning this upcoming big event in Rio?

I’m very excited to be part of the training squad. This is by far the biggest privilege and I would be very honoured to be part of the final team… That would be the highlight of career.

Q: You had the most brilliant performances earlier this year that saw you winning the DHL Impact Player of the Tournament award in Wellington at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Your thoughts on this?

I’ve always wanted to play the NZ leg of the series and winning that award was the best possible achievement! I was so excited. It’s something I will always cherish.

Q: How did you get started in Rugby?

When I was younger I watched my father play club rugby. I’ve always looked up to him, seeing his love for the game made me fall in love with it.

Q: Who are you?

As a person I come across quite stern and serious, but I’m actually always making jokes and having a laugh. I consider myself a people’s person, also hard working and determined when it comes to my job.

Q: Why do you have so much respect for your coach/es?

They’ve been in the game much longer than I have, and I still have much to learn, they’re always willing to teach me. Every coach I’ve had has always pushed me to be better, that’s something I really respect and appreciate.

Q: I believe you dance well 🙂? Do you want to share on this a little?

Haha, I don’t want to brag but I could give Chris Brown a run for his money. I used to be part of a street dance crew during my high school years.

Photo credits: Eunice Visagie/Outsider Communications

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

“At the end of the day, Hard work becomes easy work” – Rosko Specman

Meaning if you work at something that seems difficult or even impossible long enough and hard enough it ends up being as easy as tying your shoe laces

Q: Favourite meal?
Anything my girlfriend cooks, especially her lasagne.

Q: Do you want to share a little on your faith journey for far in sport and life?

In the last 3-4 years I’ve truly experienced the favor of God. I’ve seen Him open doors for me, even close a few in areas where I wasn’t growing. I had a setback in 2014 when I injured my ankle during the Las Vegas tournament. I thought it would be the biggest struggle to recover and also very difficult to get back in the game as I thought that period of time was my prime, having just started my 7s career. It was a long road to recovery, but I had many people praying for me, and I learned to lean on God for provision and patience. Coming from a less privileged background I’ve also seen how far you can succeed when have Faith in God.

Q: Your definition of greatness?

From a sporting perspective – someone that puts his team ahead of himself. From a everyday perspective – someone that does not give up when faced with failure but always comes back and tries to do better.

Q: What’s your WHY ?

Why do I do what I do? Simple answer, God has blessed me with the talent and skill to play the game. I do it to glorify Him. If I can influence people with my sport, my life story, and my faith, that would be enough for me. I want to show people that your circumstance don’t limit you to achieve what you dream of, be willing to work hard, be willing to accept help, and also have patience. Things don’t always happen according to our time line.

Photo credits: Eunice Visagie/Outsider Communications

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

YOU SAW THIS FIRST ON HESLOP SPORTS.

Interviews Rugby Sharks Sports

REPORT BACK – Curwin Bosch U/20 World Championship 2016

July 19, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Congratulations Curwin Bosch with your wonderful performances at the U/20 Rugby World Champs last month. Plus you have just made your Super Rugby debut for the Sharks. Read his wonderful report back below. Stunning to journey with our young athletes as they step into their rightful place in the history of SA’s sport through hard work, dedication, commitment.

U/20 World Championship Report Back
Name & Surname	Curwin Bosch
Name of Tournament	U/20 World Championship
Date	7 June- 25 June 2016
City and Country	Manchester, England
How did you experience the capping before the champs, what did it mean to you?	It was an honor being capped as a junior springbok. The experience was indescribable as being selected for the Junior Boks has always been one of my goals in my rugby career.
Highlights of the actual champs?	RSA vs France game as I had a great game and was also chosen as the man of the match and also reaching the semi final.
Lessons learned from the champs?	The margin for errors are small. You have to every opportunity. Enjoy every moment while it lasts.
General observations and vibe of the Champs/ host country?	Very passionate supporters. Friendly city. England were great hosts and created a good vibe.
What/ who / motivated you throughout the champs?	Playing for my country was enough motivation to wake me up and push me to give my utmost best. Family & friends supported me throughout the tournament so very difficult to single out anyone. Grateful for the support.
Biggest challenge during the meet?	England in the semi final.
What is happening next for you in sport?	Just made my Super Rugby debut for the sharks. Hopefully I can catch attention of the coaches to get more game time
Anything Else you want to mention?	Just want to say thank you to my Grandfather, Neville Milborrow and Grandmother, Jane Milborrow for their support. As well as my Aunt Elvira Milborrow and Girlfriend, Simonne Dreyer for supporting me no matter what I go through! Really grateful.

Junior Springbok squad for World Rugby U20 Championship 2016

May 10, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

The Baby Boks squad for World Rugby U20 Championship has been named. Congratulations to all our young athletes! This 28 man squad will proudly represent SA, starting on 7 June 2016 as they take on Japan.

Photo Credits – Thinus Maritz

Junior Springbok squad for World Rugby U20 Championship (in alphabetical order):

Tango Balekile (Hooker – Eastern Province)

Kwenzo Blose (Prop – Toyota Free State)

Curwin Bosch (Flyhalf / Fullback – Cell C Sharks)

Jan-Henning Campher (Hooker – Vodacom Blue Bulls)

Zain Davids (Loose forward – DHL Western Province)

Ruben de Villiers (Lock – DHL Western Province)

Stedman Gans (Centre – Vodacom Blue Bulls)

James Hall (Scrumhalf – Eastern Province Kings)

Denzel Hill (No 8 – Vodacom Blue Bulls)

Jaco Holtzhausen (Prop – Vodacom Blue Bulls)

JT Jackson (Centre – Vodacom Blue Bulls)

Marco Jansen van Vuren (Scrumhalf – Xerox Golden Lions)

Manie Libbok (Flyhalf / Centre – Vodacom Blue Bulls)

Mosolwa Mafuma (Wing – Toyota Free State)

Franco Naude (Centre – Vodacom Blue Bulls)

S’busiso Nkosi (Wing – Cell C Sharks)

Nicolaas Oosthuizen (Prop – Eastern Province)

Embrose Papier (Scrumhalf – Vodacom Blue Bulls)

Junior Pokomela (No 8 – Eastern Province, vice-captain)

Carlü Sadie (Prop – DHL Western Province)

Eli Snyman (Lock – Vodacom Blue Bulls)

Franco van den Berg (Prop – Vodacom Blue Bulls)

Edwill van der Merwe (Wing – DHL Western Province)

Ernst van Rhyn (Lock / Loose forward – DHL Western Province, vice-captain)

Keanu Vers (Fullback – Eastern Province)

Jeremy Ward (Centre – Eastern Province, captain)

Cobus Wiese (Loose forward – DHL Western Province)

Eduard Zandberg (Lock – DHL Western Province)

Source: Rugby.co.za

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Sharks XV secure first win

April 29, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

supersport.com

April 23, 2016

The Cell C Sharks secured their first win of the season with a comprehensive 48-18 (halftime 24-8) victory over the Windhoek Draught Welwitschias in their provincial tournament match at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Saturday.

Outside centre Marius Louw grabbed a hat-trick of tries while flyhalf Tristan Tedder enjoyed a fine personal match as he ended with 23 points courtesy of a try, six conversions and two penalties.

The Sharks XV had endured a tough start to the season, losing their opening two fixtures to Border and Boland respectively.

But they comprehensively outplayed the Namibians as they ran in six tries to three to condemn the Welwitschias to their third loss on the trot.

Despite the bonus-point win, the Sharks XV are still eighth on the log.

The hosts took an early lead through a Tedder penalty but it was the Welwitschias who scored the first try when fullback Riaan van Zyl went over for an unconverted score in the sixth minute.

The Sharks XV were stung into action and the impressive Louw grabbed his first try in the eighth minute.

The visitors narrowed the gap to two points when flyhalf Shaun Kaizemi slotted a 20th minute penalty but the rest of the half belonged to the hosts as Tedder and Louw both scored tries before halftime as the Sharks XV went to the break leading 24-8.

The Welwitschias started the second half in fine fashion and they narrowed the gap to 24-18 thanks to tries from left wing Russell van Wyk and flank Rohan Kitshoff.

But the Sharks XV soon reasserted their dominance with Louw completing his hat-trick in the 51st minutes before replacement lock Wian Vosloss and replacement fullback Curwin Bosch both scored tries.

SCORERS

Cell C Sharks – Tries: Curwin Bosch, Marius Louw (3), Tristan Tedder, Wian Vosloo; Conversions: Tedder (6); Penalties: Tedder (2).

Windhoek Draught Welwitschias – Tries: Russell van Wyk, Rohan Kitshoff, Riaan van Zyl; Penalty: Shaun Kaizemi.

Source: Saru

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Young Game Changers: Curwin Bosch

February 10, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Curwin Bosch, a youth athletic leader and influencer, one of SA’s strong links in rugby is deeply passionate about his family and his rugby. He strives to make a difference wherever he find himself. These are the attributes of a true athlete heart. All the best for 2016 Curwin as you pursue the new chapter at The Sharks Academy in Durban. The University of Kwa Zulu Natal is blessed to have you not only for academics but also you sporting excellence.

Highlights of 2015?

My 2015 highlights must be making the Craven week and SA Schools team for the 2nd time. Another highlight will be winning a gold medal at the Junior commonwealth games held in Samoa.

Academic Plans for 2016?

I will be study B.Com. Business Administration at UKZN .

Sports plans for 2016?

I’m going to play Varsity shield for UKZN. And then hopefully I can get a Currie Cup cap for the Sharks during the year. I’d also like be part of the u20 World cup squad to play in England in June.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Just making new friends and new memories, it’s what we live for and then of course enjoying my rugby and reaching heights that I haven’t reached before.

What is your biggest motivation at the moment?

I think my biggest motivation is probably my grandfather. He wants me to enjoy my rugby and I know deep down he wants to see me wear the green and gold so everything goes to him from here.

What is your biggest challenge at the moment?

I think it has to be managing my time between my studies and rugby. It’s difficult especially with other influences that could pull you off the track quite quickly.

What are your upcoming events where your friends and fans can follow and support you?

Come and support the UKZN rugby team as we play to get the club/university into the varsity cup.

Photo Credits: Steve Haag

https://www.facebook.com/STEVE-HAAG-Sports

NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.

Further Reading on Curwin Here: FRESH & HUNGRY – CURWIN BOSCH

Home Rugby

Fresh & Hungry: Xolisa Guma

January 9, 2016 Published by: Cresi Heslop

Xolisa Guma is one of SA’s strong links in the youth rugby arena. This KwaZulu-Natal champion winger, was named U18 Craven Week Hero of the Day (July 2015), after his side fought hard and beat the Golden Lions 18-16. A wonderful achievement, because this prestigious Coca-Cola Hero of the Day award is presented on each day of the tournament in recognition of a game changing ‘hero’ moment. He is humble, well grounded, full of faith for things to come, and with a lot of respect for the game, his team mates and his coaches, he says “You’re never bigger than the game”. I see in him such a dedication and relentless work ethic that success will have no choice but to join hands with him and journey into a bright future.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname	Xolisa Guma
Nickname	The Gugu
Place of birth	Cape Town
Current City	Pietermaritzburg
Height	1.87m
Weight	86kg
Shoe Size	11
Club	Sharks u/18
Coach’s Name	Kevin Smith
Secondary Sport/ sports	Athletics
Favorite City	Cape Town
Favorite song	Jumpman by Drake
Favorite Movie	Creed
School & Grade	Maritzburg college, Grade 12
Instagram Facebook	@xolisaguma Xolisa Guma

Photo Credits: Matt Marshall Photography

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your rugby, tell me a little bit about how you started in rugby?

Well I started playing rugby in Swartland Primary. That’s a school just 30 km out of Cape Town. That’s where I fell in love with the sport and since then I just wanted to score tries.

Q: Who are you?

I am an outgoing person easy to get along with. I always have a big smile on my face no matter what and I am really friendly.

Q: What is your greatest personal accomplishment in rugby?

My greatest personal accomplishment is playing Craven Week for the Sharks for 2 years in a row.

Q: What was your highlight of the Craven Week.

First of all I would like to thank God and my Craven Week team mates for not giving up. This was one of the best moments of my life. It was the first time my family came to come watch me play a live game. I learned that we should never give up and have to keep on trusting the Lord’s power until the end. I really don’t think that I will forget that moment, when I scored the winning try and getting the Coca-Cola hero of the day. This will forever be in my books.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education for our youth?

The value of education in a young person’s life is one of the most important one. If you are educated it can open so many doors in life. It’s a key thing to get an education because no one can take it away from you.

Q: Share a little about your faith journey?

My faith in God has a huge impact in my rugby and I think it’s one of the important things during my rugby journey. I have experienced so many things through Grace and I think if it wasn’t for Almighty God I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so thankful and really I am blessed.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I don’t like relaxing too much. I always want to do something that’s going to get me closer to my dream and when I relax my competition outworks me.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

We can never cheat the Grind for it knows how much we invest in it.

Q: What is your favourite bible verse?

John 3:16

Q: What’s your WHY ? Why do you do what you do?

The reason why I am doing what I am doing is to take my family out of poverty. This is what drives me every day to challenge myself and not do what’s easy but do what will make me a better rugby player and person. I also want to give young kids in my township hope because most of them believe they don’t have what it takes to be great in their lives.

Q: What is your message of encouragement to South African/ African youth and our nation?

I encourage youngsters to always challenge themselves. They shouldn’t do something easy. They should do something that will make them a better person and never stop dreaming because you have got what it takes to do whatever you dream of.

Q: What are you most grateful?

The thing that I am most grateful for is my talents I received from God. I will use those and always glorify Him.

Thank you

Photo Credits: Neville Bailey

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your sports and academic journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

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