Lions breakout star Siba Mahashe says rugby chose him by chance, but his rapid rise has been driven by hard work, family support and a desire to improve.
It was only eight months ago that Mahashe made his URC debut. But the 22-year-old loose forward is already being seen as one of the brightest young talents in South African rugby.
That was illustrated by his inclusion in a Springboks alignment camp in May, while he went on to make his debut for SA A against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha the following month.
Then, in August, he enhanced his reputation with a Man of the Match display in the Lions’ thrilling clash with the touring All Blacks.
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Now he has begun the new season by helping the Pride win their opening two URC fixtures to lie third in the league table.
Next up comes a big derby clash with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
“I started playing in primary school when I was eight,” he said. “I actually didn’t plan on playing rugby. I used to play football and cricket.
“But my friends played rugby and they were short of a player. So my dad had to go quickly to buy me kit to play in.
“I always refer to that as the year that rugby chose me.”
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Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, Mahashe earned a scholarship to Hudson Park High in KuGompo City and went on to catch the eye while playing for Border at the Craven Week in 2022.
That earned him selection for SA Schools and he was to captain the team, later going on to win international honours with the Junior Springboks at the 2024 U20s World Championship.
Having relocated to Joburg, he made his debut for the Lions in an EPCR Challenge Cup clash with Lyon in January and then took his URC bow versus the Sharks the following month, scoring a try.
He was fast-tracked into a 40-strong Bok alignment camp. “It was a dream come true for me,” Mahashe said.
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“It ignited a belief in me that the work I had been putting in and the good performances I had been producing had been recognized.”
On his outing against New Zealand, he added: “Everyone grows up watching the Springboks against the All Blacks, so watching the haka and actually experiencing it was an unreal moment for me.”
He also touched on what makes the Lions tick: “We are not only playing for ourselves, we are playing for everyone in Johannesburg. It means a lot. We really love putting in a performance for the supporters.
“I think the highlight for me so far was winning the SA Shield last season. Since I’ve been at the Lions, I’ve always wanted to win a trophy. So to win my first one was a very special moment.”
“The way I play and the game that we play at the Lions is very suited for loose forwards like me. The style of play here is the best for my abilities.”
Photo: Inpho/Steve Haag Sports/Willem Loock
The post Mahashe making ‘unreal’ moments count appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Lions breakout star Siba Mahashe says rugby chose him by chance, but his rapid rise has been driven by hard work, family support and a desire to improve.
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