Two Makhanda-born rugby stars are doing the district proud after their selection to the EP u17 team to play in a sevens tournament in Bloemfontein recently.
The 16-year-old up-and-coming stars Cameron Doyle of Graeme College and Denilo Jordaan of Port Alfred High School are on the fast track to rugby success following their selection.
Cameron who is in Grade 11 said though his chief goal was to be selected to the EP u17 XVs team, his sevens selection is a big step in that direction. “This selection was very, very unexpected, but I am very excited that my goals are being achieved in the game I am so passionate about. Sevens is important because it helps the skill level, it improves fitness levels and decision-making, so it’s a good build-up for the 15s game.”
Cameron, a utility player who can play in the scrum half and fullback positions, says though he did not want to predict his future in rugby when he leaves school, he does not rule out a career in coaching when his playing days are over. “Yes, I would love to coach the game I love and I am passionate about since my primary school days. But first of course, I would like to wear the Springbok jersey one day, which is the ultimate end-goal for all South African rugby players.”
Cameron says there have been quite a few role models in his rugby career – but one stands head and shoulders above everyone else. “My dad has played an important role in my rugby career because he is always pushing me, guiding me to be the best I can be. Also the coaches at Graeme College are always doing their best to keep us interested and to ensure we keep the rugby systems in place that will help us do well in our rugby careers.”
Cameron says he is passionate about the game because rugby from a very young age has provided many opportunities for him. “Rugby has helped me forge relationships from as young as u9 that lasts forever. All I can say is that my love of the game is indescribable.”
Denilo who has played rugby from the age of 11 while at St Mary’s Primary in Makhanda, is a multi-talented sportsman, having excelled for PAHS in cricket and athletics. He has been chosen to the 7s team on his performances at Grey High School trials during the mid-year school holidays.
The 16-year-old Denilo has built up quite a few accolades in his young rugby career, gaining selection for the VKB Invitational Rugby Side that toured Ireland in December last year and represented EP u16s last year. Denilo’s man-of-the match performance against Leopards in his favoured scrum half position earned him the man-of-the-match award in that tournament. Denilo played and started in all the games and was EP’s playmaker during the tournament.
Denilo’s other list of achievements are as follows Best U13 Rugby Player at PAHS, Sarah Baartman U15 7s Rugby Side, Eastern Cape U15 7s Rugby Side, EP U16 Rugby Side, VKS U16 Ireland Rugby Tour, Best 1st XV Rugby Player at PAHS and EP U17 7s Team. He also played in the first XI cricket team for PAHS and excels at athletics.
“I played my heart out during the 7s trials, until the last game and gave my best to be where I am. I am very proud of myself for achieving one of my goals and will continue working very hard,” said Denilo.
His role model is Antoine Dupont from France, his hero is Bryan Habana the Springbok legend, and his dream is to play at Loftus Versveld and wear the Springbok jersey one day. He is putting in the hard yards for the national sevens tournament in October to give himself a good chance of making the national sevens side that will be selected after the tournament.
Additional reporting by Chesley Daniels
This article first appeared in TALK OF THE TOWN – the community newspaper for Ndlambe and Makhanda, in supermarkets and other outlets every Thursday.
