Returning players ready to rumble for Red Army in 2024

King Edward VII School (KES) returns 23 players from last season’s squad of 35 players, including nine regular starters, for the 1st XV’s 2024 rugby season. 

It’s a tight-knit group of players, intent on supporting one another and producing another good year on the field.

The Red Army roster is brimming with talent, backed by a talented coaching staff, and they should be ready for any challenges that are thrown their way. 

Under the stewardship of KES old boy Marco Engelbrecht, the team is gearing up for what they hope will be an electrifying season. 

In a recent interview with SuperSport Schools, Engelbrecht commented on the make-up of his squad: “They are very blessed. Last year, the side was made up of predominately young players in grade 11, so they do bring experience into this season.”

After ending 2023 with a win percentage ratio of 66.67%, there is room for improvement in 2024. If the side can convert some of the narrow losses that they suffered last year into wins this season, that winning percentage could rise significantly.

This year, the Red Army opens its season with a tricky encounter away from home against Hoërskool Noordheuwel, on 16 March. Then, they’ll be back home for the annual KES Easter Festival.

The event includes some of South Africa’s premier rugby-playing schools, among them Paarl Boys’ High, and Selborne College and Queen’s College, from the Eastern Cape. The festival has been a feature on the South African schoolboy calendar since 2002 and many big names in South African rugby have represented their schools at the prestigious event. This year, it implements a new two-day format.

Last year, KES wrapped up the weekend on the final day with a 20-0 crushing of Selborne College, and they would be thrilled to produce a similar performance this year. On day two, in 2023, the Red Army gave Paarl Boishaai a big fright, eventually going down by only two points, 8-10.

Other key KES fixtures during the season include their long-standing traditional meetings with their local rivals Jeppe High School for Boys, Pretoria Boys High School and Maritzburg College.

Five Players to Watch:

Siphosethu Mnebelele: The formidable hooker has already made waves with his dominant presence on the field. Known for his tenacity in defence and his prowess in the set-pieces, Mnebelele is a force to be reckoned with. He’ll be aiming to take yet another step up from a successful 2023 during which represented the South African Schools side after a brilliant Craven Week with the Lions. 

Tristan Maugeri: A rising star in the backline, Maugeri’s speed and agility make him a potent attacking threat. The number 15’s ability to find gaps in defences and create scoring opportunities will be invaluable to the team. Last year, he was also often given the goal-kicking responsibilities. According to coach Engelbrecht, Maugeri could be used in either of the centre positions this season. 

James Kobrowisky: A dynamic flanker, Kobrowisky showcases grit and determination on the field. He has a knack for scoring crucial points and making impactful tackles, which adds an edge to the Red Army’s game.

Thomas Beling: A standout in the forward pack, Beling brings power and skill to the game as a tall lock. His ability to disrupt opposition plays and contribute on the scoreboard makes him a key player for the Red Army.

Vusi Moyo: At flyhalf, Moyo holds the reins of the KES offence. With his strategic kicking and playmaking abilities, he is instrumental in dictating the pace and direction of the game. Moyo missed out on being accorded higher honours last year after sustaining a broken jaw late in the season.

Two players who were on the fringes last year, Chinedu Amadi and Sam Brewer, have been earmarked for a step-up this year. They both featured at the Grant Khomo Week, wearing the number 8 and number 6 jerseys respectively. They had a taste of what it means to represent the Red Army in 2023, now they’ll be aiming to regularly leave their marks on the 1st XV’s games.

With seasoned “veterans” and rising talent, KES brings together an exciting mix of players who are confident in their ability to impact the schoolboy landscape in 2024. Building on their past successes and learning from their setbacks in 2023, the Red Army is set to excite on the field. 

Fixtures: