Martin Thoka made Rand Park High School history in his Bidvest Golden Lions Academy Week team selection.
Thoka (fly-half and Weltevreden Park resident), now 18-years-old and a Rand Park Grade 12 pupil, says he couldn’t believe it when his selection was announced on 10 June. “I was writing an exam and afterwards I saw that my friend tagged me in the post on Facebook. That it is when I first saw that I had been selected, but even then it felt too good to be true,” said Thoka.
It wasn’t until the sports awards evening at Rand Park that it was officially announced. He is one of the only three players that have been selected from Rand Park since its inception in 1980. The wonder boy began his rugby journey at Weltevreden Park primary School in Grade 3. He was encouraged to play the sport which as Thoka laughed said would ‘keep him out of trouble’. In high school, he has been playing for the A team since Grade 8.
“We first went to trials with the school in April. From there, the selection process became stricter,” saidThoka. The trials saw the players playing against the Blue Bulls U18 team. The final leg of the seven set of trials had players compete against Potchefstroom’s Leopards U 18 team in May.
Rand Park first team rugby coach Sean Johnson said, “He is a naturally gifted sportsman but what sets him apart from others is his dedication to perfecting his craft, his undeniable leadership ability, and his absolute control in dictating and directing the rugby game.”
Thoka says he must credit much of his improvement to the coaching of Laszlow Rabatin, the first team backline coach and former flyhalf for Rand Park who matriculated in 2013, as well as head coach Sean Johnson. “I am incredibly excited for the doors that this will open for my rugby career. I am hoping to attend Stellenbosch University and play for Maties,” explained Thoka.
The selection will see Thoka playing in Craven Week and Academy Week in July.
“Most importantly, I would like to thank Rand Park, my fellow teammates, and my family. Without their support and encouragement I would never have become the player I am today,” ended Thoka.
Details: Rand Park High School, 011 793 1246.
