Destined for a great season on the field, Amanzimtoti Youth Rugby Club player, Christopher Cronje, 16, was disappointed when lockdown brought a halt to all sports. The Grade 10 Kuswag Skool pupil captained the Toti U15 side and was selected for the Sharks youth team last year. “I was very excited and driven to being selected for the Sharks youth team, as it was my first time being selected.” He also made the cut for Bokkie Week for rugby.
The eighth man was fortunate to run out for the Sharks. They played an inter-provincial tournament against the Bulls, Lions and Falcons, and finished third.
Christopher was born in Pretoria and his family moved to Toti in 2017. He attended Laerskool Louis Leipoldt in Centurion, before joining Kuswag in Grade 8. “A teacher inspired me to start playing rugby four years ago. I enjoy the teamwork and spirit of the people. I also swim and play cricket at school.” He joined Toti Youth Rugby Club when he moved to Toti and captained his school team last season as well. “I think leadership makes me a good captain – helping my players and not ordering them around.” His U15 Toti side won the league at a festive final day hosted by Harlequins Rugby Club on the Bluff.
“Although I was happy with our result, I am driven to do even better next time.”
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He moved up to U16 this year and first team for his school, and it was a pity he didn’t have a chance to build on last year’s success. “I was very sad to lose a whole season of playing to Covid-19 and lockdown. There was a good chance I would have been captain again this year and I would have loved to play with the other players again. “I have been coping fine with keeping up to date with my schoolwork during lockdown and working hard. I’ve also been exercising to keep my fitness up. I hope we will get to have a rugby season from March next year.” Christopher lists his hobbies as playing guitar, basketball, mountain biking and gym, and for fun enjoys taking walks and socialising with his friends.
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