SPORT
Cristen Van Niekerk
Hermanus Agenbag
Darnell Osuagwu
Shaun Baxter
Prince Nkabinde
Nkosikhona Masuku
UJ students score in Under 21 Currie Cup
Six University of Johannesburg students are geared up to run onto the rugby field as part of the Xerox Golden Lions U/21 Currie Cup squad during the 2020 season, doing their alma mater proud and breaking barriers, despite the spectre of COVID-19. The Gauteng-based rugby squad stormed from fifth place in 2019 to make the final last year, narrowly losing out to the Blue Bulls in the last game. Speaking after being named to the squad, FNB UJ student rugby player Cristen van Niekerk expressed his delight at being included in the team after a bulged disc injury knocked him out of the previous year’s season. The Transportation Management student, who played flank/lock, said: “I believe everything happens for a reason and God is preparing me for something bigger.” Fellow classmate, 20-year-old Prince Nkabinde, played wing last year. “It means a lot to be part of the Golden Lions U/21 Currie Cup
squad. I am very grateful for the opportunity which was always a tournament I wanted to play in as a junior. To date, the tournament has been phenomenal with some great
provincial level “and to be able to live out my talent and just have fun as well as learn new things”. Aggies, as he is known to his teammates, hailed from Grey College and is studying a Higher Certificate in General Management. “I wish to be seen as a player who is capable to excellently execute on the field and hopefully someone will have the willingness to give me another opportunity to prove myself again.” Nkosikhona “The Sauce” Masuku
competition out there from all teams, but it has been fun and enjoyable.
Obviously, the ultimate goal is to win the tournament with my teammates but so far, individually it
is to take it game by game.” Darnell “Bobbie” Osuagw u is
Transportation Management student had also lost out in
studying Human Resources and ran onto the field in a red and white jersey in the position of hooker. The former Parktown Boys student says it is an honour to have been called up for the squad. “My goal for the remainder of this tournament is to serve the union and my teammates and win the campaign. I always thank God for blessing us and giving us as athletes an opportunity during this pandemic to be able to play this beautiful game.” For Hermanus Agenbag, it is a great deal to be participating on a
2019 due to an injury. The loose- head prop, who is 21, says: “This opportunity to play again comes as a blessing. The most important goal I have is to learn, improve and gain experience as a rugby player so I can get better with time. Winning the tournament with the team is one other target that I believe will pave the way for both myself and the team at large.” The six players were rounded out by Shaun Baxter, who is studying Sports Psychology and played fullback.
33
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO 34
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs