History-making performances by UKZN U20 rugby teams
UKZN’s U20 A and B rugby teams made history this season by winning almost every award on offer in the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union League.
The A team won the Frank Norris League and the Basil Medway Knockout Cup, while the B team won the Kings Park Challenge League and the DW Wylie Cup.
Added to all that, head coach Naseeb Abrahams was named KZN’s U20 Coach of the Year.
UKZN forwards coach Gavin Mc Arthur said the season started off with a lot of planning and preparation, which laid the foundation for the success enjoyed by both sides. "A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this season and we achieved what no other club has been able to do in the history of the U20 Division in KZN."
Commenting on the players, he remarked on how everyone in the squad contributed to the team in their own way by trusting and buying into management’s plan. "In our eyes, the players are all stars, as it would not have been possible to achieve all of this without them.
"What makes this achievement even more memorable is the brotherhood that was cultivated within the team – we came from different backgrounds, but stood together as one from the onset, living our motto: 'One for all and all for one'!"
Mc Arthur listed sufficient sponsorship as one of the biggest hurdles faced, but this was overcome by everyone putting the team first.
Acknowledging the university for giving the team an opportunity to represent it on the rugby field, Mc Arthur thanked UKZN’s Manager for Student Health and Sports, Mark Bashe, and UKZN’s Rugby Sports Officer, Ben Vutha, for always being available to assist. He also thanked head coach, Abrahams, backline coach Luke van As, team manager Wandile Shelembe, the medical team comprising Renato da Costa and Nondumiso Ndebele, as well as the committee, medical staff, parents and supporters.
Said Mc Arthur: "Ultimately, thank you to each and every player who put their bodies on the line this year – we really appreciate it and we know it was tough but, in the end, it was all worth it."
The team will retain most of the players for next season with the goal being to defend titles won in the U20 leagues and be champions again in 2023.
Captains for the A side, Jarryd Nicholls and Mthomboyolo Buzani, who provided excellent leadership both on and off the field, acknowledged the hard work, commitment, discipline and consistency of the players, coaches, parents, supporters and management.
Nicholls highlighted the importance of always setting the tone for the games early to avoid playing catch-up, while Buzani noted how this was "only the beginning of a formidable reign for UKZN’s U20 rugby teams".
The U20 B side captains, Taariq Osman, Lizwe Chilli and Donovan Dauth, agreed that the team had amazing individuals who worked tirelessly for the good behind the scenes. Said Osman: "The team spirit this season was amazing and we are grateful for the support. It wasn’t always easy but we pushed through and now we are champions!"
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela