Zander Reynders: From University of Pretoria graduate to Blitzbok star
Image: Supplied
At the intersection of elite sport and academic excellence stands Zander Reynders – a rising Blitzbok star and proud new graduate of the University of Pretoria's (UP) Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT).
Fresh off a gold-medal finish at the 2025 HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles, the 24-year-old is showing the world that determination, discipline and dual ambition can drive greatness.
Reynders recently received his BEng Computer Engineering degree at the graduation ceremony for UP's Faculty of EBIT. As both a national athlete and a qualified computer engineer, Reynders' journey began in UP's lecture halls and continued on the TuksSport rugby fields, which has now taken him to the global stage.
In only his third tournament as a fully-fledged Blitzbok, Reynders helped power South Africa to a commanding 19–5 win over Spain in the Los Angeles final, securing the Blitzboks' second title of the season. While fans will remember Selvyn Davids' length-of-the-field brilliance and Ricardo Duarttee's clinching try, it was the cohesion, composure, and depth of the team – including up-and-comers like Reynders – that defined the weekend.
'It's been a blur. Being part of this squad, standing on that podium in LA... it's everything I dreamed about when I used to watch these games with my family during December holidays,' Reynders said.
In December, Reynders got the call-up he had always dreamed of. After an impressive run with the Blitzboks Academy and a strong training camp in Stellenbosch, he made his debut for the Blitzboks in Cape Town and helped the team lift that trophy.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Just months later, at the HSBC SVNS World Championship, he was part of another historic win. The Blitzboks dominated their pool, outclassed New Zealand in the semi-final, and delivered a defensive masterclass against Spain to claim the title. For Reynders, the moment was surreal, not only as a player but as a UP alumnus stepping into the footsteps of heroes like fellow Blitzbok and UP alumnus Impi Visser.
'Standing alongside someone like Impi, who's represented both UP and the country with such distinction, inspires me to uphold the same standards,' he said. Now that he's playing on a global stage, he draws on the mindset shaped in UP's EBIT Faculty. 'Engineering taught me to stay calm under pressure and think critically. In a final like that, it's not just about fitness – it's about mental clarity.' He completed his degree while representing UP-Tuks in the Varsity Cup.
'Engineering taught me to think analytically and stay calm under pressure. That mindset helps on the rugby field too, whether it's solving a defensive puzzle or executing a set piece.' From backyard games with his brothers to the global stage of the HSBC SVNS World Championship, Reynders' journey is far from over. With two international titles already under his belt, he remains focused on growing as a Blitzbok, but he's equally determined to use his platform to make a meaningful impact beyond the try line.
'My goal is to live a life of impact. On the athletic front, I want to keep contributing to the Blitzboks and embrace every chance to represent South Africa with pride. But I'm also passionate about using my engineering background to drive innovation – especially in areas like sustainable development and conservation,' Reynders said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- The Citizen
Primestars celebrates 21 years of meaningful impact across 9 provinces
A youth-development leader, Primestars marked and celebrated 21 years of turning bold ideas into national impact on June 25 at the Zone @ Rosebank's Ster Kinekor. What began as a dream to reimagine learning through turning cinemas into theatres of learning, evolved into a pioneering force in youth empowerment, with over 1.6 million learners impacted from under-resourced communities across all 9 provinces. Read more: Primestars celebrates its 21st birthday Primestars' national programmes, including: EduCate: Matric Maths and Science Revision, Career Guidance, Rethink Rands, Step Up 2A Start-Up, What About the Boys?, and The AECI Future Leaders Challenge, have redefined what youth empowerment looks like in the South African context. Martin Sweet, executive chairperson and CEO of Primestars, said: 'Legacy is not what we did yesterday; it's what we empower others to achieve tomorrow, and that tomorrow is digital, inclusive, and full of possibility.' Primestars calls on government, business, and civil society to act: To government: Make digital education a national imperative. To prioritise digital infrastructure and curriculum reform. To business: Invest not only in profit, but in purpose. To teachers: Lead the change in the classroom and beyond. To embrace technology as a tool for creativity, not competition. To the youth: Your moment is now. Own your power. Seize your role as change-makers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Sweet noted that the country's youth were growing up in a world of artificial intelligence and automation, but far too many are still being educated for a world that no longer exists. 'This event is not only about recognising our successes but knowing that the best is yet to come. Our youth must be raised, not only to seek jobs, but to create them. The next 21 years must be about making every smartphone a startup kit, every learner a leader, and every township a hub of innovation.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star duo set for season-long loan deals
Orlando Pirates have cleared the path for midfielders Goodman Mosele and Azola Tshobeni to join Chippa United on season-long loans for the 2025/2026 Betway Premiership. The duo underwent medicals on Monday after arriving in Gqeberha, confirming their next step in pursuit of regular game time. Both players struggled to secure regular spots under head coach Jose Riveiro last season, as Pirates finished runners-up and made it to the CAF Champions League final. Riveiro opted to rely heavily on Makhehlene Makhaula, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Kabelo Dlamini in the heart of midfield. Mosele, who joined the Buccaneers from Baroka FC in 2021, failed to nail down a place in the starting XI. After being loaned out to Chippa United during the 2023/2024 campaign, he featured in 25 matches, scored once, and rediscovered his confidence. 'Mosele's impressive form saw him return to his parent club,' but despite this, he only made seven appearances last season, again scoring once. Meanwhile, Tshobeni has battled to make an impact at Pirates since rising through the club's development system in 2020. The left-footed playmaker spent three seasons on loan at JDR Stars, where he established himself as a consistent performer in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. 'He had a limited contribution on the pitch' after returning to Pirates, despite his growth during the loan spell. With head coach Sinethemba Badela focused on building a more competitive squad for the 2025/2026 season. Chippa United have moved swiftly to reinforce their midfield options. Mosele and Tshobeni will aim to bring stability, energy, and creativity to the Eastern Cape outfit. By securing this double loan deal, Chippa United offer both players a fresh chance to revive their top-flight careers and showcase their talent on a regular basis. Will the Orlando Pirates pair make an impact at Chippa United? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
08-07-2025
- IOL News
Join the fight against student hunger: Help 'missing middle' students this Mandela Month
GOING UP! Dr Bianca Frost, a lecturer in the Department of Marketing Management at the University of Pretoria ran last month's Comrades Marathon to raise funds to support the university's "missing middle" students. Image: SUPPLIED The University of Pretoria (UP) is calling on alumni, partners and ordinary members of the public to help students facing hunger and financial hardship by lending a hand to the UP Giving Month. The fundraising initiative, launched last week and running throughout July, aims to 'feed minds and fund futures' by supporting students who are at risk of falling behind or dropping out due to a lack of basic necessities or tuition funding. Although the campaign runs alongside and dovetails with Mandela Month – a time for giving and helping fight poverty and inequality in South Africa and around the world – the UP Giving Month has a 'specific and urgent' focus. A significant number of university students experience food insecurity, with studies estimating rates of between 11% and 38%. In addition, thousands of 'missing middle' students fall through the cracks of the higher education system in South Africa as they are deemed ineligible for government funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), but their families still cannot afford university fees and other day-to-day expenses, the university said in a statement. The campaign supports two student-focused causes: the UP's Student Nutrition and Progress Programme (SNAPP), which tackles hunger on campus and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal's Scholarship Fund, which provides essential funding to 'missing middle' students. As part of this year's campaign, UP is collaborating with the Vodacom Bulls and Bulls Daisies to harness the collective energy of its students, staff and alumni and the Bulls' passionate fan base to help struggling students. 'Every day, I see the determination of our students as they strive for a better future – more often than not in the face of hunger and financial hardship. This UP Giving Month is our chance, as the UP community and the wider South African and global society, to stand with them,' said Professor Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP. 'With proper nutrition and financial support, students are better equipped to concentrate, stay motivated and succeed academically. Your contribution makes a meaningful, lasting difference.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Edgar Rathbone, Chief Executive Officer of the Vodacom Bulls, said the team was proud to collaborate with one of South Africa's leading universities in such a campaign. 'We are proud to join hands with the University of Pretoria in this important initiative. As a team deeply rooted in our community, we understand that hunger and financial hardship can stand in the way of a student's potential. UP Giving Month gives us all a chance to make a real difference, helping to nourish minds and support futures. Together, we can ensure that no student has to choose between their education and their next meal.' This year's Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18 will be celebrated under the theme 'It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity', and is devoted to tackling poverty, fighting inequality and building a society based on justice. 'Whether you choose to give financially or donate food, your support sends a powerful message to students in need: 'You are not alone'. Together, we can create infinite impact by changing the lives of these students, a change that will ripple throughout our country, continent, and world,' said Petersen. The university's Vice-Chancellor and Principal's Scholarship Fund is a perennial campaign for helping 'missing middle' students. As part of the campaign last month, marketing lecturer Dr Bianca Frost helped collect R11 100 by running the Comrades Marathon, surpassing her BackaBuddy target of R9 000 by 123%, according to information from the crowdfunding platform. For more information and to give, visit
