Tight head prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will captain the Sigma Lions ahead of their first Carling Currie Cup encounter against DHL Western Province in Cape Town on Saturday.

The talented prop forward leads an exciting team which boasts ten Junior Boks in the match 23. Reacting to being handed the captain’s armband, Ntlabakanye said Saturday will be a huge occasion for him.

“It’s a massive honour and privilege for me to be called upon to lead this group”, said Ntlabakanye.

“To be captain at a franchise that I’ve played for since I was U16 is huge thing for me. I’m also lucky enough to have strong leaders around me who I can lean on during the game.”

‘Asa’, who also boasts Vodacom United Rugby Championship experience, believes Saturday’s clash will be one his side will be up for.

“The focus this week has been about what we can bring to the table as a squad,” explains Ntlabakanye.

“Western Province away has never been an easy fixture. We know they have a strong set piece and can be dangerous in open play but we’ll ready for that.”

 

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Head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi:

“I’m quite excited for this group of young men. It’s an opportunity for them to express themselves against the best the Carling Currie Cup has to offer.”

“We are quite pleased with the side we’ve selected for Saturday. Most of them have tasted success in last year’s U20 domestic competition, so as a management group we back them to showcase their talent,” Nkosi concluded.

Teams:

DHL Western Province

15. Tristan Leyds. 14. Angelo Davids. 13. Leolin Zas 12.Cornel Smit 11. Paschal Ekeji 10. Tim Swiel 9. Thomas Bursey 8. Hacjivah Dayimani 7. Simon Miller 6. Nama Xaba (captain) 5. Adre Smith 4. Connor Evans 3. Lee-Marvin Mazibuko 2. Chad Solomon  1. Kwenzo Blose

Substitutes: 16 Jacques van Zyl 17 Leon Lyons 18 Sazi Sandi 19 Keke Morabe 20 Deon Fourie 21 Godlen Masimla 22 Chris Schreuder 23 Mnombo Zwelendaba

Sigma Lions

15. Quan Horn 14. Boldwin Hansen 13. James Mollentze 12. Aidynn Cupido 11. Zeilinga Strydom 10. Vaughen Isaacs 9. Jurich Claasens 8. Emmanuel Tshituka 7. Jarod Cairns 6. Mark Snyman 5. Simon Dinisio 4. PJ Steenkamp 3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye (c) 2. Dameon Venter 1. Banele Mthenjane

Substitutes : 16. Darnell  Osuagwu 17. Heiko Pohlmann 18. Sibusiso Shongwe 19. Ruan Venter 20. Lunga Ncube 21. MJ Pelser 22. Nico Steyn 23. Tyler Bocks

Kick-off is at 17:00 on Saturday.