As the country celebrated the Springboks victory of the Rugby World Cup 2019, Jeppe Boys also celebrated one of their own for being part of the team that made the victory possible.
Jeppe Old Boy, class of 2014, Sbusiso Nkosi, has made the school proud.
The NEWS had a chat with Jeppe Boys rugby players and coach Reg Hammond who praised the player for his hard work and dedication to the game.
“It was a privilege to coach S’bu. He was a committed and diligent player. He would wake up 5am every morning to train and that showed the passion he had for the game,” said Hammond.
He said when he joined Jeppe, he fitted well.
“He is a real gentleman with good moral principles that aligned to those of the Jeppe ethos. He also became a mentor to most of the young rugby players as they looked up to him.
“He was a mentor to Hacjivah Dayimani current Lions player, and would wake him early each morning to go train with him. He had a mental toughness that was much higher than your average teenage boy,” said Hammond.
He said he is proud of what he has achieved.
Jeppe Boys headmaster Dale Jackson said S’bu has inspired all the rugby boys in the school that dreams do come true.
“Jeppe High School for Boys is incredibly proud to have another Old Boy in a Springbok squad, and we have enjoyed watching his journey since his days in Black and White.
“Every school boy rugby player dreams of wearing green and gold and representing their country at the highest level.
“S’bu is proof to the players of this generation that this reality is possible,” said Jackson.
Jeppe Boys first team captain Boitumelo Tsatsane said they are proud of Sbusiso.
“He has always been an inspiration to us young plays.
“He always worked hard in making sure he performs his best.
“We proud of you for wearing the green and gold jersey, and winning the world cup and continuing to inspire us,” said Tsatsane.
Jeppe Boy Chris Park (wing) said they are inspired by Sbusiso and what he has achieved in his rugby career.
“It was really amazing to see S’bu play on an international level knowing where it all started from wearing a black and white jersey to wearing the green and gold jersey,” said Park.
First team player Kabelo Mokheti (scrum half) said he is proud to have known S’bu because he is an inspiration to them.
“Knowing S’bu’s background, I’m very proud of how far he has gone in his career.
“He inspires all of us to work hard, and believes that with hard work great things do happen.
“We are very proud of him, and the team for bringing the cup home,” said Mokheti.
