Two KES learners represent at the rugby international series
Two learners from King Edward VII School in Houghton were selected to represent at the SA Rugby U18 International Series for 2023 and are grateful for the experience.
Two rugby players from King Edward VII School participated and excelled in the SA Rugby U18 International Series for 2023. The local team faced their age-group counterparts from France and England in the series from August 11, 15 and 19.
Thandolwethu Biyela who is deputy head of King Edward VII School (KES) in Houghton and current captain of the First team rugby said it was a very humbling experience and he learnt a lot of values about rugby and how to manage the game.
“It went well, and I think I played decently well considering that I was playing against international players. So far this year, the season has been very good as we’ve reached highs of highs and lows of lows but to be honest, this season was very good considering how we have played as a team,” said Thandolwethu.
He said his rugby journey started in primary school in Grade 5 at a small primary school in Mpumalanga. He said one of his coaches took him to practise for the first time and since then he hasn’t lost the passion and love. Thandolwethu expressed that he is forever grateful for being chosen to represent at the international series.
Siphosethu Mnebelele who has been elected as deputy head boy for next year and plays hooker in the KES First team rugby said it was a very big privilege to put on the green and gold colours, and hoped to do it again soon.
“Going to Cape Town to play in a series against France was a privilege as I got to see what it was like to play on a different level other than the school-boy rugby. It was also challenging and quite an experience seeing the professionals do it. We lost 1 -1 so that wasn’t the best thing but it made us realise that we can do better.”
He said his rugby journey started in 2004 when his female English teacher believed he could be a really good rugby player. “She introduced me to rugby and till this day, I am grateful for that and I hope I continue to play good games.”
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