UNION HIGH SCHOOL FIRST XV

What can the school and parents expect from your team this year?

Firstly, unity amongst the players as I feel one needs to be one for any team to be successful.

Secondly, a brand of rugby that Union has been known for throughout the years. Thirdly, bringing out the best in every player. Lastly, molding these young gentlemen and allowing them to achieve anything possible.

Are you happy with your team’s line-up for the Interschools? Do you have any injuries in your team?

Yes, I am. Although we’ve had a lot of injuries throughout the year, the players have all thankfully recovered in time. This means that we were able to select the best team possible for Interschools.

Where is your strength as a team?

Handling pressure and interplay between our forwards and backline.

What are the qualities you look for in young rugby players?

Being able to do the basics. I’m a firm believer of, ‘if you can do the basics right things will go your way’. Also, a player that believes in teamwork and realizing that we can achieve more through teamwork than individual play.

What is your philosophy as a coach? Do the basics right.

Don’t overthink matters. Play the situation. Work as a team.

Communication and punctuality is key. Discipline/Respect.

Any coaches you look up to?

There are several coaches I look up to. It’s coaches that I’m currently working with and that I have worked with.

Front: Uyanda Tele, Joshua Swartland, Joshua Horne, Finn Cilliers, Donald Kingwill (coach), Laythan Carelse, Jordan Wilmot, Safin McPherson, Ray Germishuysen and David Venter.

Back: Onikwa Mlenzana, Dumisa Mala, Ethan Linch, Chungwa Tshomela, Ahlangene Nonyongo, Nanga Macanda, Dylan Kivedo, Aluyolo Kula, Angus Mclaggan, Caleb Jansen and Curt-lee Lephota.

Front: Iminathi Koneit, Athandwa Nkele, Zephaniah Kallies, Muhammed Ahmed, Kyle Liebenberg(VC), Hanno Sparrius (Coach), Shaakir Kazi (C), Uyintando Ziswana, Ronan Ewers, Xavier Barlow and Alex Neill.

Back: Makukhanye De Beer, Christopher Nqumashe, Chanton Deysel, Ndodana Speelman, Daniel Marais, Tristan Hulleman, Bulela Zonke, Emon Emu, Janathan van der Berg, Noah Edwards and Matthew Oosthuizen.

Front: Sophephela Vimbi, Liam Hornabrook, Maqhawe Norman, Josh Arends, Yonela Wana, Lebogang Booysen, Sibabalwe Mbutye, Yaseen Kazi, Athayanda Mahlati and Luca Kingwill.

Back: Neelon Fourie, Similo Mvandoba, Mbali Sauli, Geoff Wilmot, Liso Booi, Peter-Daniel Clegg (VC), Shiraz Pedersen, Luandile Memani, Josh Samson, Taffadzwa Munzvenga and Zack Gradwell.

Front: Junior de Bruin, Warren Barlow, Zach Verwey, Kyle Finnis, Alexander Hunter (VC), JP Kruger (coach), Dwayne Koeberg ©, Sean Musakasa, Declan Lewis, Leander Kraai, Qhama Solomon and Lumko Ngqameni.

Back: Lulonke Vumazonke, Angus Kretzman, Benji Loots, Luvela Makaula, Vincent Clarke, Hayden August, Jacquin Smith, Callum Jacobs, Liyabona Noveve, Khazimla Mbulawa, Toka Ledwaba and Richard Murray.

Voor: Chequin Koopman, Luke Karelse, Ethan Davids, Glenton Pienaar (k), Vijéanro Potgieter, Andrew Vaaltyn, Jayden Booysen, Christiaan Prinsloo.

Agter: Juninho Pieterse, Freddie van der Mescht, Stephan Vosloo, Zandré Lambrechts, Diwan van Rooyen, Joshua du Toit, Bryan Ceasar.

Voor: Elromeo van Heerden, Wynand van Antwerpen, Cecil Kemp, Curwin Niemand (k), Casper Bekker (o/k), Malan Meyer, Martyn van der Walt, Louw Borcherds.

Agter: Spa Jaftha, Imaan Jacobs, Ryan Barnard, Jann-Robert Coetzer, Ivaan Jaftha, Andries Botha, Lugaston Baartman, Valentino Johannes.

Voor: Benjamin Vers, Ruben van der Ahee, Cameron Swartz, Louwen Wolfaardt (k), Caleb Jantjies (o/k), Curtley Jacobs, Mattheo Bantom, Divan Serfontein.

Middel: Jevandrew Safers, Wright Jafta, Max-Zane Janse van Vuuren, Stéfano Naudé, Joshua Kritzinger Philip le Roux, Kevin Motley

Agter: J.J. Jansen, Requelme Afrika, Hannes van der Merwe, Mattheus van der Merwe, Janru Groenewald, Rudolph-Hein van Eeden, De-Shaan Maarman, Schalk de Jager.

Voor: Adel Abu-Shama, Shane Flemmer, Johan Nel, Shaheen Jaftha, Pieter Nel (k), Showin Ferendale, Daunelio Deysel, Danico Japhta, Ezra Jacobs.

Agter: Algeron Basterman, Vincent Pienaar, Reanco Deysel, Jeandré Theron, Christiaan Swiegers, JanHendrik Lategan, Gert Theron, Jacothan Tarentaal, Jako Steynberg.