BY all accounts, 2019 has been one of the most successful years for Northwood School learner and rugby player, Siyemukela ‘Sasko’ Ndlovu. Not only has he captained the first team to historic victories over Kearsney College and Maritzburg College, he was also named captain for the KwaZulu-Natal U18 squad for Craven Week.
If that wasn’t enough, Ndlovu was also selected for the SA Schools squad who contested an U18 International Series against their age-group counterparts from England, Wales and Argentina. The U18 Springboks would go on to win all of their games in the series and for Ndlovu, the experience was life-changing one.
At Northwood’s sports banquet evening, he was awarded the Spirit of Northwood Trophy as well as the Knights Trophy which is awarded for the single biggest sporting achievement of the year. He was also awarded the first-ever honours blazer for Servant Leadership at his school.
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Currently in his final year at school, the talented loose forward has been signed to the Lions U19 squad for 2020.
Northglen News recently caught up with Ndlovu to chat about his phenomenal achievements.
“It definitely has been one of the best years of my school rugby career but also one of the hardest. I don’t think people realise the hard yards one has to put in to reach their goals and be consistent in their achievements. There has been so many people who have been responsible for where I am today and it’s their love and support that has made me achieve what I’ve achieved,” he said.
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Speaking on being involved in the U18 international series, Ndlovu said he drew inspiration from his fellow teammates.
“I was a bit nervous playing for the U18 Springboks. A few of the other players had been through training camps and been involved in the set-up prior to this series so it was huge learning curve for me, a great experience and a once-in-a-lifetime one for me. For me my motivation in these test matches came from my teammates. You see how hard everyone is working and what it means to represent their country. Everyone is driven by their passion for rugby and you begin to realise you aren’t just representing your school or province, it’s your country, so the responsibility to perform your best is even higher,” he said.
Ndlovu’s sparkling career, while still in its fledgling stages, has a way to go before reaching the heady heights of Super Rugby, Currie Cup and the senior Springbok selection which is ultimately his goal, however his determination, passion and humbleness are all qualities he possesses in abundance which bring that dream ever closer.
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