South African Starlet Enjoys Remarkable Rise

It was only eight months ago that Siba Mahashe made his BKT URC debut.

But the 22-year-old loose forward is already being seen as one of the brightest young talents in South African rugby.

That was illustrated by his inclusion in a Springboks alignment camp in May, while he went on to make his debut for South Africa A against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha the following month.

Then, in August, he further enhanced his rising reputation with a Player of the Match display in the 10Bet Lions’ thrilling clash with the touring All Blacks.

Now he has begun the new season by helping the Johannesburg-based side win their opening two BKT URC fixtures to lie third in the league table.

Next up comes a big derby clash with the Vodacom Bulls at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld this Saturday.

It’s been a remarkably rapid rise for Masashe and he is clearly a young man with a big future in the game.

However, rugby really found him by chance.

“I started playing in primary school when I was eight,” he explains.

“I actually didn’t plan on playing rugby. I used to play football and cricket.

“But my friends played rugby and they were short of a player.

“So my dad had to go quickly to buy me kit to play in.

“I always refer to that as the year that rugby chose me.”

Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, Mahashe earned a scholarship to Hudson Park High School in KuGompo City and went on to catch the eye while playing for Border at the famous Craven Week in 2022.

That earned him selection for South Africa Schools and he was to captain the team on a couple of occasions, later going on to win international honours with the Baby Boks at the 2024 U20s World Championship.

Having relocated to Johannesburg, he made his debut for the Lions in a Challenge Cup clash with Lyon in January of this year and then took his BKT URC bow versus the Hollywoodbets Sharks the following month, marking the occasion with a try.

His obvious dynamic talent was soon recognised as he was fast tracked into a 40-strong Springboks alignment camp.

“It was a dream come true for me,” says the flanker.

“Most rugby players dream of playing for the Springboks, so to know I was considered part of that environment made me very happy.

“It ignited a belief in me that the work I had been putting in and the good performances I had been producing had been recognised.

“It was a huge motivation for me to continue doing better and improve in each match I play.”

As for his memorable outing against New Zealand, he says: "Everyone grows up watching the Springboks against the All Blacks, so watching the Haka and actually experiencing it was an unreal moment for me.”

Mahashe is clearly a very dedicated young man as he reveals when outlining his approach to his job.

“For me, it’s having friends that are not athletes and being able to say no to them whenever they want to go out during the week,” he said.

“It’s knowing your why and what makes you perform on the weekend.

“My younger self would be very proud that I kept going. Even on the days that it was tough, I kept going and kept pushing.”

He continued: “My game really revolves around bringing energy to the team. I’m always going to give my all on the field, whichever game it is, no matter the scoreboard, if we’re losing or winning.

“I want people to remember me as a guy that played rugby to have fun and to enjoy it.

“My family calls me every day, to make sure I am good and them doing that helps me remind myself why I’m doing this.”

As for what makes the Lions tick as a side, he says: “I think it’s the love we have for each other and the willingness to work for each other all the time.

“We are not only playing for ourselves, we are playing for everyone in Johannesburg. It means a lot. We really love putting in a performance for the supporters.

"I think the highlight for me so far was winning the South African Shield last season. Since I've been at the Lions, I've always wanted to win a trophy. So to win my first one was a very special moment."

He added: “The leaders here make it very easy for us youngsters to feel part of the team. So I am fully settled and comfortable in the side.

“We have very good loose forwards here and, as a youngster, I obviously learn from the older guys. I’m around people who can mentor me. There is a lot that I learn and take from them at every training session.

"The way I play and the game that we play at the Lions is very suited for loose-forwards like me. The style of play here is the best for my abilities.

"I'd like to stay fit and injury free as the season goes on and just get better. There are parts of my game that I think I can still improve on.”