Hudson Park High School and Border rugby are celebrating the selection of four former pupils and players who are set to play for the Emirates Lions in Gauteng this year.
They are Ace Nongogo, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Lindani Dweba and Sivu Mabece.
For Mabece, this means a transfer from the Blue Bulls Under 20 side.
Last year, Mabece helped the Bulls win the Currie Cup champions and was part of the winning Junior Boks side in the Six Nations Autumn Series.
Talented Nongogo, Mahashe and Dweba were scouted during last year’s school rugby season.
Mahashe’s was selected as the SA Schools U18 captain and won the Player of the Series award in last year’s U18 international series.
Nongogo, who plays outside centre, said: “My selection to the Lions means everything to me as I’m one more step closer to achieving all my dreams.
“Since I was a little boy, all I ever wanted to do one day was to be a professional rugby player and take care of my family using rugby as the means.”
Dweba, an outside back, said: “This selection has proved to me to keep on believing and putting in the hard work because it never goes unnoticed. Where I come from not a lot of people get the opportunity as there is not much exposure.
“I’m looking forward to building myself further as a pro rugby player and as a person.
“I want to explore how the professional setup works and I am also looking forward to playing at Ellis Park Stadium.
“My goals for this year is to make the U20 and U21 team and my aim is to make an impression and make a name for myself with the coaches out there.”
Head of rugby at Hudson High, Lwazi Zangqa, said: “Their selection to the Lions is bittersweet because it is sad to see boys you have worked with leave but it is natural progression and it was awesome to have known and coached them.
“This proves that Hudson Park is doing something right in that we are able to get so many kids contracts.
“Credit to the coaching staff and everyone who has helped to build the boys up to this level.
“Well done to all the people who were part of the boys’ journey.”
