Latest news with #JuniorSpringbok
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Young Newcastle rugby talent seeks support for Ireland tour
Lwandle's exceptional talent and relentless drive earned him a sports scholarship to Kearsney College, one of South Africa's top rugby schools. He has since become a Junior Sharks player and has even drawn attention from Junior Springbok scouts — an incredible feat that speaks to the calibre of his potential. The Irish tour could be the stepping-stone to a professional rugby career, possibly placing Lwandle alongside rugby greats like Bakkies Botha and Willie Wepener, both of whom hail from Newcastle. However, with a fundraising goal of R69, 999, Lwandle and his family are turning to the community and supporters of youth sports to help make this dream come true. 'He is very talented … he was also selected for last year's tour but could not attend because of financial constraints,' his mother said. 'This year, I am determined that his talent will be recognised. Any contribution won't just help Lwandle — it will also support the future of South African rugby.' Lwandle's rugby journey began at Arbor Park Primary School, where his love for the game was born. He also excelled in athletics, often taking first place in his division at the Newcastle primary schools athletic championships. From an early age, his talent was clear, and through hard work, discipline, and natural ability, he has become one of the most promising young players in the region. A chance to represent South Africa in Ireland is Lwandle's biggest and most well-deserved opportunity of his young career. The international exposure will not only increase his chances of being scouted by top-tier teams but could also secure his future as a Junior Springbok and beyond. It's a chance to showcase his skill on a global stage. Your donation will help cover the cost of Lwandle's travel, training gear, accommodation, and participation fees. This is more than just a trip; it is an investment in a remarkable athlete who represents not just Newcastle, but KwaZulu-Natal and the spirit of South African youth sport. Watch some of Lwandle's best plays, see the passion and power he brings to the field, and follow his journey here: TikTok: @lwandlemkhize54 Instagram: @lwandle_mkhize14 Live Matches: Supersport Schools App Let us rally behind Lwandle and give him the send-off he deserves. He's ready — let's help him get there. Account details: TA Mkhize Capitec Acc number: 2376765249 The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550). At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Junior Springboks ring the changes for clash with Australia
Coach Kevin Foote has rotated the squad, being aware of the demands that three internationals played in 11 days will have on the players. Kyle Smith, who shone against Argentina last week, will play from the bench againt Australia on Tuesday. Picture: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made several rotational changes to his starting line-up and included four players who played for the South African U20s last year for their second Rugby Championship U20 match against Australia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday (kick-off 4.10pm). The Junior Springboks managed to beat Argentina 36–25 in the opening round last Thursday, while Australia forced a late draw against New Zealand, scoring the equalising try after the hooter had sounded. Junior Springboks change line-up Foote has handed starts to JC Mars, Wandile Mlaba, Batho Hlekani and Herman Lubbe, all of whom played for the Junior Springboks last year. The SA U20 coach said it is important to keep their momentum going, manage the load of the players whilst also building squad depth by giving the players exposure to top-class international rugby. 'We play three internationals against quality teams in just 11 days, and with the short turnaround time between matches, we must be smart with our player load management,' Foote said. 'We have good squad depth and it's important for the players to get a taste of international rugby, while we also want to build on our performance against Argentina, knowing that Australia will pose a huge challenge for us.' In the front row, Simphiwe Ngobese and Lubbe will pack down as props on either side of hooker Juandre Schoeman. Riley Norton is retained at lock and will captain the team again, partnering with Morne Venter. The loose forward combination sees Xola Nyali, who had a successful campaign with FNB Varsity Cup champions, UCT, coming onto the side of the scrum at flanker. He teams up with Hlekani, who made a strong impact off the bench in the second half against the Pumitas, while Mlaba is retained at No 8, to complete the loose trio. Kyle Smith out, Vusi Moyo in at flyhalf Amongst the backs there is a new halfback pairing consisting of Ceano Everson (scrumhalf) and Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), while the midfield comprises of Dominic Malgas and Scott Nel. Cheswill Jooste will start again at right wing, and he will be joined in the back three by Siya Ndlozi (left wing) and Mars (fullback). Junior Springboks starting XV: JC Mars, Cheswill Jooste, Scott Nel, Dominic Malgas, Siya Ndlozi, Vusi Moyo, Ceano Everson, Wandile Mlaba, Batho Hlekani, Xola Nyali, Morne Venter, Riley Norton (captain), Herman Lubbe, Juandre Schoeman, Simphiwe Ngobese. Replacements: HB Odendaal, Oliver Reid, Jean Erasmus, Neil Hansen, Thando Biyela, Elrich Visser, Kyle Smith, Gino Cupido.
The Citizen
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Junior Boks showed ‘proper character' to turn Argentina game around
The coach and captain of the Junior Springboks sang the team's praises for being able to adapt their game plan against a tough Argentina side. Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton said he 'couldn't be prouder' after his side turned their U20 Rugby Championship match against Argentina on its head to secure the victory on Thursday. The team's coach, Kevin Foote, likewise sang his side's praises after they adapted their game plan a determined and stylish Argentina to change a 25–15 deficit into a 36–25 win in front of a crowd of 9,000 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. Norton praises his side The Junior Springboks won five tries to three, with scores coming from Haashim Pead (2), Demitre Erasmus, Riley Norton and Gino Cupido. Flyhalf Kyle Smith also slotted three conversions and a penalty. But it was only thanks to a dominant second-half performance, with three unanswered tries and a major tightening of their defence in the last 35 minutes that gave them the edge. 'It feels really good to get the win in the bag,' Norton said. 'Of course, there are things we can work on, but to fight through those 80 minutes, [and] tough times, it was really proper character from the boys. I couldn't be prouder.' The captain added that Argentina showed passion to fight until the last minute, and demonstrated their class in dominating lineouts against a side that had talked up its set-piece strength before the game. 'Argentina, the way they contest is they throw the guys in the air and they were brilliant today. So we'll definitely go back to the drawing board on that. But to lose a lot of set-piece and still dominate, I am really, really proud of the boys.' Junior Springboks draw on crowd's support Coach Foote commended his team for dealing with their initial nerves and adapt to the slippery conditions at the stadium. 'One of our biggest strengths is our leadership, and after half-time, when they scored quickly, the guys didn't drop their heads,' Foote said. 'The guys adapted really well after half-time and a lot of credit has to go to the leadership group and their ability to maintain confidence and belief, and go back to what we knew was going to work, playing a territory-based game and putting pressure on their opponents in their own half.' The Junior Springbok coach also thanked the crowd, who had seen Australia snatch a 29-all draw against New Zealand earlier in the day, for creating an 'electric atmosphere' to help the South Africans cross the line. The Junior Springboks next play their next match of the tournament against Australia on Tuesday (kick-off 4.10pm). New Zealand will take on Argentina before that game, kicking off at 2pm.
