St John’s College honoured Old Johannian and former Springbok Owen Nkumane by naming the terraces above the Burger Field after him at the celebration of the school’s founder’s day on 13 July.
Nkumane enjoyed an illustrious career at St John’s playing cricket and football in his prep school days and later rugby from an U14 level to College level. He captained the first XV in 1993 and 1994 and under his captaincy; the first team recorded a 17–0 victory over Paarl Boys’ High. This was the only occasion when St John’s ever recorded a victory over Paarl Boys’.
Nkumane matriculated from St John’s College in 1994 and was the first black African to captain the Blues at St John’s College. He went on to be selected to represent the Springboks in 1998.
Team members from the ’94 first XV were in attendance at the ceremony where Nkumane spoke fondly about his time at the school.
“The biggest thing we search for in life is to belong. It’s a privilege. Enjoy it. Make friends,” Nkumane advised.
He also warned those in attendance to stay away from the spotlight.
Professor Jon Patricios, chairman of the council, said, “Owen Nkumane made his mark in rugby at school, university, club, provincial, Super Rugby and national levels. But as the first black African player to captain St John’s College and the first black African selected for the Springboks, his contribution transcends rugby. Today, St John’s College and South African rugby salutes Owen Nkumane as a pioneer in transforming sport and South Africa.”
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