Sharks star Zekhethelo Siyaya says his time in the Springbok set-up showed him he can adapt under pressure.
The 21-year-old fullback, who grew up in the small northern KwaZulu-Natal town of éDumbe before earning a scholarship to Westville Boys’ High School in Durban, has had a rapid rise through the rugby ranks. From going into the Sharks Academy straight out of school, to earning his Vodacom URC debut and now pulling on the South Africa A jersey, his trajectory is one of the most exciting in KZN rugby.
Despite leaving the field late in the first half of SA A’s match against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on 20 June after taking a head knock and suffering a facial injury, the youngster has no complaints having spent valuable time in the Springbok camp.
“That environment is very special and for me it is the next step towards the ultimate dream of being a Springbok,” he says.
“Every day you get a chance to be a better version of yourself. You’re there to learn, whether you’re playing or not. There are world-class players and world-class coaches who you can tap into and you have to navigate new situations each day.
“It demands more energy and more focus, but that’s what makes it so valuable.”
Perhaps more revealing was what the experience taught him about himself.
“I honestly didn’t know if I could survive that kind of intensity, but I did,” he says. “I had to learn lineout calls and moves in about two days because I came in late. It really tested my brain and my mentality. It showed me I can adapt under pressure.”
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At club level, Siyaya has settled into the Sharks environment with the ease of someone who belongs. He speaks warmly of head coach JP Pietersen and the influence of senior players around him.
“Coach JP doesn’t put you in a corner. He trusts that you know what you’re capable of, I really love that about his coaching style.
“Playing alongside guys like André Esterhuizen and other senior players has been incredible, you just follow their lead, and you grow.”
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With a new season approaching and a fresh wave of young talent at the Sharks, Siyaya is excited about what lies ahead.
“There’s new energy and that also means an attacking brand of rugby. The experienced guys will give us the confidence and the foundation, and I think we’re going to play some really good rugby together.”
Beyond his own ambitions, Siyaya is mindful of the platform his journey represents for the next generation.
“I want the kids in the stands to see hope,” he says. “I want them to see that even if you come from a difficult background, you can still make it. Just know your goal, know where you want to be and play with zero fear and absolute commitment.”
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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Siyaya: I survived Springbok intensity appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Sharks star Zekhethelo Siyaya says his time in the Springbok set-up showed him he can adapt under pressure.
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