OVER the years, Zululand has proved to be a good breeding ground for talented rugby stars who, unfortunately, are poached by prominent high schools or by professional clubs, leaving local schools and clubs struggling to remain competitive.
Over the years a number of players have represented provincial teams, with some even representing South Africa at world age group competitions.
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The recent group of stars with bright careers ahead of them include Richards Bay’s Rynhardt Jonker and Sheldon Veldsman, eSikhawini’s Fezo Mbatha and Mtubatuba’s Celimpilo Gumede and Phendulani Buthelezi.
Jonker is contracted by the Sharks Rugby Union and represented the SA Schools side.
He matriculated at Glenwood High School after completing his primary school career at Arboretum Primary.
Mbatha, Gumede and Buthelezi were scouted for Durban High School (DHS) and are currently also contracted to the Sharks Rugby Union.
They have represented the South African U19 team at the U19 world rugby championships.
All four players are included in various high performance squads, and are in the mix for possible big careers.
Veldsman attended Westville High School and then went to Potchefstroom University where he made the Leopards U19 side.
A few years ago, former Grantham Park Primary School pupils Dean Moolman and Lihle Mazibuko were selected for the Sharks U21 side, with fellow schoolmate Christiaan Prinsloo playing for the Blue Bulls Academy.
Another prospect from the area was Grantham Park Primary’s Cyprial Mkhabela, who represented the Free State University in the Varsity Cup and the Cheetahs U19 team.
More examples of talent come in the form of former Rhinos 1 player Adu Wessels and Jors Dannhauser, who had stints at College Rovers and with the Sharks,
Richards Bay High School learners JB Heunis and Jaco Pretorius made the KZN U18 team a few years ago and were also scouted for Durban clubs.
Then there is sevens star Brendon Asherwood of St Lucia, who currently plays for Western Province and the South African sevens outfit,
The sad thing about the situation is that local schools and clubs miss out on this remarkable talent.
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