From Grassroots to Greatness: St John’s Easter Festival set to unleash next-generation heroes
With the 28th edition of the St John’s College Easter Festival about to get underway on 17 April, we are profiling five players from the 14 First XV sides in action at the tournament who may deliver standout performances over the weekend.
Follow all the action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)
Easter Festivals traditionally showcase some of the best-hidden talents scattered across schoolboy rugby in South Africa and for many it has provided a unique platform to demonstrate their abilities on one of the biggest stages at this level.
Over the years we’ve witnessed future Springboks – particularly at the prestigious St John’s Festival – delighting spectators in Johannesburg with their prodigious skills, with names like Damian Willemse, World Cup-winning Springbok fullback, and the 66th captain of the Springboks, Salmaan Moerat, springing to mind. Both played in this festival in 2016, representing Paul Roos Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High respectively.
This year once again brings to the fore a new generation of players, and SuperSport Schools Plus decided to take a closer look at the following five promising ones to watch over the two days of action:
Jonathan Harding – Hoërskool Diamantveld:
At the centre of attention will be Hoërskool Diamantveld’s Harding. Donning the No. 12 jersey for the Diamonds, Harding made a name for himself as early as the second game of the season with a stellar performance against Affies on home turf in Kimberley. His attacking capabilities make him a major threat with the ball in hand, evoking shades of a young Jan Serfontein – a fitting comparison, as Harding often creates something from nothing.
Vian Louw – Hoërskool Nelspruit:
The physical and imposing figure of Louw will have the likes of Welkom Gimnasium and Maritzburg College sharpening their defences. The blindside flanker from Hoërskool Nelspruit has been in formidable form of late, quickly establishing himself as one of his side’s key players in the pack. His ball carries and crunching tackles, alongside another big name in Vaughn van Zyl (No. 8) and flank mate, Prosper Chilloane, will be crucial for the Rhinos as they aim to make it two from two over the weekend.
Lungelo Hadebe – Maritzburg College:
In response to the Nellies’ loose trio, Lungelo Hadebe will be a major asset for Maritzburg College from the rear. Hadebe is the first of two full-backs to be highlighted this weekend – and deservedly so. Not only does he patrol the backfield like a seasoned professional, but he also ignites the College backline from the back, getting the side from Pietermaritzburg on the front foot.
Aking Akingbula – Pretoria Boys High School:
Leading the pack for the Candies with his bullocking runs, Akingbula will be one to watch in the trenches as the battle intensifies among the forwards. Akingbula plays a traditional No. 8 role, acting as one of his side’s primary ball carriers and playing a key part in the Candies’ defensive structure.
Quewinn Lackay – SACS:
Lackay is the second fullback to feature in our list. A scrum cap, quick feet and the ability to spot the smallest of gaps from a mile away bring to mind a player who has been making waves since transitioning from sevens to the 15-man game. Wearing the No. 15 jersey provides Lackay with the time and space he needs to plot his counter-attacks – few teams have managed to stop him once he is in motion.
