Siphosethu Mnebelele says it was “unreal” to be appointed Junior Boks captain on the eve of the 2026 Junior World Championship in Georgia.
The hooker assumed the role on Monday following Riley Norton’s selection for the Springboks’ Nations Championship squad.
Speaking to Netwerk24 at Cape Town International Airport before the team’s departure, Mnebelele described the moment he learned he would captain the Junior Boks.
“It was actually unreal,” he said. “Coach Footie [Kevin Foote] made the announcement just before our practice session, and to see how all the guys reacted to it is something that made me feel at home.
“I’m ready to take these guys to war.”
The Junior Boks open their campaign against Uruguay at Avchala Stadium on Saturday and also face Wales and Georgia in Pool A.
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Mnebelele added that the promotions of Norton and flyhalf Vusi Moyo to the Springbok squad fuelled the fire and belief among the rest of the Junior Boks squad to one day pull on a Bok jersey.
“I saw how much hard work Riley and Vusi put in to get where they are now,” he said. “I believe 100% that it makes you realise as a team, and as individuals, that you too can make it into the Springbok team.”
A former KES pupil, Mnebelele spent time with another in hooker Malcolm Mark at the Bok camp.
“Malcolm is a role model for me,” he said. “He plays the kind of game I strive for.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post ‘I’m ready to take these guys to war’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Siphosethu Mnebelele says it was “unreal” to be appointed Junior Boks captain on the eve of the 2026 Junior World Championship in Georgia.
The post ‘I’m ready to take these guys to war’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
