logo
Ruiter learners shine in Golden Lions U13 team

Ruiter learners shine in Golden Lions U13 team

The Citizen08-06-2025
Two talented young rugby players from Laerskool Die Ruiter, Khumo Gaanabo and Kgotso Koetle, have earned spots on the prestigious U13 Golden Lions team.
The journey to this achievement was not an easy one, as they had to navigate regional trials, make it to the red squad, and ultimately secure their places in the team. They are now working towards being selected for the Craven Week or U13 Academy Week, a significant milestone in their rugby careers.
Also read: Laerskool Die Ruiter's colour run a runaway hit
According to Reggie Gama, the team manager, both Khumo and Kgotso possess outstanding qualities that set them apart.
'They are both confident, have great leadership skills, and have personal life goals within the sport,' he said.
In an interview with the Roodepoort Record, Khumo and Kgotso shared their passion for rugby. Both players started playing the sport in grade four and aspire to play professionally.
For Kgotso, making the team two years in a row is a personal achievement that highlights his commitment and perseverance. Longtime coach of the boys, Lou Janse van Rensburg, said they saw quite early that the boys had outstanding rugby abilities, and they took it upon themselves to train, nurture, and encourage them to an even better standard.
'They are both good players, and you can see it when they are on the field. We are very proud of them,' he said.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Magic made – Goose-stepper off to watch the Boks
Magic made – Goose-stepper off to watch the Boks

The Citizen

time6 days ago

  • The Citizen

Magic made – Goose-stepper off to watch the Boks

'Little Cheslin', the player who became an internet sensation at Craven Week with his side steps, has had his dream come true and will attend the rugby test in Nelspruit tomorrow between the Boks and Georgia. The icing on the cake will, of course, be if he gets to meet his Bok hero, winger Cheslin Kolbe. A local business owner trading in Witbank and Middelburg really took the name of his business to another level. Phillip Basson, from Magic Plumbing, made magic by giving Zedan Johnson, alias Small Johnson, tickets to go and watch the Springboks vs Georgia in Mbombela Stadium. Zedan will hopefully meet his favourite player and the entire Springbok rugby team. Phillip is no stranger to the Johnson family as he and Zedan's father, Daniel, played several games together for the Pumas in their younger days. Phillip doing duty as hooker and Daniel on flank. Zedan, the small nine-year-old boy with his lightning speed, side-steps and magical goose-steps, like Cheslin Kolbe, stole the show at the 2025 Craven Week in Middelburg. Zedan and his father visited Phillip at his house to pose for a picture and say thank you for the magical gift. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Mnebelele, Junior Boks know what's coming in U-20 semi against Argentina
Mnebelele, Junior Boks know what's coming in U-20 semi against Argentina

The Herald

time15-07-2025

  • The Herald

Mnebelele, Junior Boks know what's coming in U-20 semi against Argentina

On Monday evening they face fellow southern-hemisphere rivals Argentina at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana (8.30pm Italy and SA time) for a spot in the 2025 final. Hooker Mnebelele recalled how he and flyhalf Moyo dreamed of higher honours while enjoying their schoolboy rugby days. 'We spoke the other day about how we often said to each other how great it would be to, when we are older, achieve national honours for the country,' said Mnebelele, whose nickname is 'Esethu'. 'Vusi and I have been playing together since our early high-school days for the Golden Lions and last year we both played for the SA Schools side, as well as the SA U-18 team. Now here we are, playing together for the Junior Boks, which is a dream come true. Playing for the Junior Boks is a huge honour and something we don't take for granted.' The soft-spoken Mnebelele and Moyo are part of the South Africa U-20 leadership group in Italy. Looking forward to the all-important semifinal against Argentina, the hard-working hooker said they know what to expect from the South Americans.

U13 Pumas hold their own at Craven Week
U13 Pumas hold their own at Craven Week

The Citizen

time13-07-2025

  • The Citizen

U13 Pumas hold their own at Craven Week

U13 Pumas hold their own at Craven Week The Pumas showcased an exciting brand of running rugby during the 2025 U13 Craven and Academy Weeks, held in East London from Monday, June 30 to Friday, July 4. The U13 Craven Week team scored 12 tries in their four matches, winning two and losing two. Captain Brüssow Francke led from the front, scoring 28 points across the tournament — one try, seven conversions and three penalty goals. In their opening match on Monday, the Pumas defeated the Limpopo Blue Bulls 25-0 after leading 8-0 at half-time. The Mpumalanga try scorers were Joseph Mthetwa (Laerskool Standerton), Avunyile Bilatyi (Middelburg Primary), and Sandile Msipa (HTS Witbank). Brüssow added two conversions and two penalty goals. On Tuesday, the U13 Pumas faced the U13 Lions. It was the boys in pink's standout performance of the week, winning 27-5 after a 7-0 lead at the break. ALSO READ: Springboks vs Georgia test: Park-and-ride details to know Edmund Ferreira (Laerskool Goedehoop), Joseph, Brüssow and Thokozani Kachelenga (Laerskool Klipfontein) all crossed the try line. Brüssow slotted two conversions and a penalty goal. After a rest day on Wednesday, the Pumas took on Western Province on Thursday. Province claimed a 31-12 win after leading 12-0 at half-time. Mathys Stoltz (Curro Nelspruit) scored both of the Pumas' tries, with Brüssow converting one. On the final day, Friday, the Pumas faced the Sharks. The coastal side emerged 33-19 winners after taking a 19-7 lead into the break. Totius Botha (Laerskool Kruinpark), Edmund, and Joseph dotted down for the Pumas. Brüssow kicked two conversions. The U13 Academy Week took place concurrently with the Craven Week. The Pumas U13 Academy XV recorded the following results: • Pumas 8 – Sharks 14 • Pumas 17 – Leopards 5 • Pumas 5 – Griquas 7 • Pumas 12 – Blue Bulls 22. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store