In an intriguing blend of experience and emerging talent, the South Africa 'A' team, led by Mzwandile Stick and captained by the versatile Vincent Tshituka, is set to face the Zimbabwe Sables this Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. This match promises not only a thrilling contest but also a pivotal developmental step for both teams.
Mzwandile Stick, doubling as the Springboks assistant coach later that day, has crafted a squad that marries the hardened poise of five Springboks with the vibrant potential of South Africa's future stars. Among the seasoned players, Lukhanyo Am, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, stands out, alongside Phepsi Buthelezi, Neethling Fouche, and Boan Venter.
The team also spotlights promising talents like Markus Muller, who will partner with Am in the midfield, and Yaqeen Ahmed, setting the stage as fly-half alongside Haashim Pead from the Lions. The backline is rounded out by Luan Giliomee at full-back, with Jaco Williams and Zekhethelo Siyaya on the wings, ensuring speed and agility are at the forefront.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what this group of players can do against a determined Zimbabwe outfit, who have qualified for the 2027 World Cup, and will undoubtedly use this opportunity to test themselves against us as they prepare for the international spectacle," said Stick.
The forward pack is no less formidable, with Emmanuel Tshituka joining Buthelezi and Bathobele Hlekani in the back-row, while Vincent Tshituka commands the second-row alongside Ruben van Heerden. The front-row showcases the youthful energy of Siphosethu Mnebelele, an SA U20 hooker, flanked by Fouche and Venter.
Reserves include a potent mix of seasoned and fresh faces, with Liam van Wyk, Oliver Reid, and Hanro Jacobs ready to bolster the front-row, while Adre Smith and Siba Mahashe provide additional forward cover. The backline reserves—Nico Steyn, Imad Khan, and Jurenzo Julius—promise agility and tactical acumen off the bench.
"The keys for us this weekend will be to stick to our structures and for the individuals to use the talent that earned them selection for this group, so we are looking forward to seeing what they deliver on the field," Stick remarked.
The stage is set for a compelling showcase of rugby prowess and strategic depth, as both teams eye this matchup not just as a contest, but as a crucible for growth and preparation for larger battles ahead.
South Africa 'A' team v Zimbabwe Sables
SA ‘A’: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Vincent Tshituka (c), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Boan Venter
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Siba Mahashe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurenzo Julius
Date: Saturday, June 20
Venue: