We continue our series looking at 10 players who were unlucky not to receive their SA Schools colours. There are too many players to mention, such is the depth that exists in schools rugby in South Africa. The feedback is based off conversations we had with school rugby stakeholders as well as our instagram followers.
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Liam Koen (Paarl Gim)
Yet another player who has been cursed by injury, Koen was one of the talents we were most looking forward to seeing this season. A powerful left boot, accurate goal kicking and class distribution made us see him as a mini Dan Carter in the making.
Koen would have been one of the first names on the SA Schools team sheet had he been fit, his father wore the green and gold with distinction and one feels that Liam deserved his chance. No doubt a player that will be in the Baby Boks mix next year.
Ceano Everson (Monument)
A rookie so a player who has another year to show his worth, Everson has come on in leaps and bounds this season with some truly breathtaking displays for Monnas and as the season has progressed we have seen a great deal of development take place.
This bodes well for the 2023 season no doubt, a player to keep an eye on.
Deano Boesak (DHS)
A flyhalf that is as exciting as a player you can hope for, the DHS backline this year was stellar and among the most dangerous in the country and the architect behind all of this was Deano Boesak.
When one looks at the amount of talent available in the flyhalf position within South Africa the future certainly looks bright and Boesak will have to work extra hard with all these players to compete with but he has without doubt the pedigree to do so.
Aiden Muller (Stellenberg)
Easily the most undervalued and under appreciated scrummie in the country right now, Muller’s curse is that he was playing in an age group where the position was absolutely stacked with quality.
In 9/10 years he would of at the very least made the South African “A” team, and anyone doubting his talents will just have to take a wait and see approach, we are confident he will come good in the future.
Shaywan Blackenberg (Bishops)
Another left footer Blackenberg and Bishops were on absolute fire earlier in the season, the way they dismantled a truly gifted Kwaggas outfit earlier this season set the tone but unfortunately at private schools when there are injuries there is a lack of depth to make up for it as there is at the larger schools.
Shaywan plays with a confidence and maturity that belies his youth, his tactical kicking and sniping runs truly entertained us this year and we certainly hope he will push forward in his development.
JT Kapank (Noordheuwel)
When we named Kapank to our PACS 100 list for 2022 many were wondering just who the Noordheuwel youngster was, with 2 years of interrupted rugby it was hard to keep track of all the talent but nobody is questioning who JT Kapank is right now.
Kapank’s qualities are numerous, he has a brilliant all round game and with his skillset he can play across the backline. Surely a pro contract awaits?
AJ Knoetze (Maritzurg)
Despite Martizburg’s season AJ is one of the players that really stood out for us. Last years Maritzburg pack was “different gravy” as one says, they shocked many an opponent but this year it is fair to say that they were not quite at the same level and despite this AJ still managed to shine throughout the season.
Knoetze has all the qualities you would want from a 9 in the modern game, his kicking game is way beyond his years and he comes from a long line of quality scrumhalves that this region manages to continually produce. It will be very interesting to see where his next move lies.
Hashim Pead (Bishops)
Like his half-back partner Shaywan, Hashim stormed onto the national scene. Imad Khan left some mighty big boots to fill after he finished school and Hashim more than compensated for the loss of a school legend with some exciting play.
An all rounder we particularly like Pead’s sniping runs and his no holds barred approach to the game, Bishops teach their boys running rugby, a culture instilled in the boys from a young age and Pead is like a fish in water when the play is open.
Tylor Sefoor (Monument)
Sefoor has been a proper entertainer this year, one never knows what is going to happen next with Tylor at first receiver and he always keeps his opponents on their toes.
This is a running 10 that still has a fantastic boot and accurate kicking game, so much quality at 10 this year meant it was always going to be tough to get his SA colours but that doesn’t mean he didn’t leave his mark on the game.
Asad Moos (Wynberg)
A player that certainly will be disappointed he didn’t get called up, Moos has been nothing short of inspiring this year for Wynberg boys.
Not many would have bet that Wynberg would have the season they are currently enjoying, the team were somewhat of an unknown quantity but with a big win over Boland Landbou and currently topping the Southern Suburbs the quality is there for all to see and Moos has been one of the schools top performers throughout the season.
