Bok future for Gqoboka

Blue Bulls powerhouse prop Lizo Gqoboka during a training session at Loftus Versfeld.Picture: Phill Magakoe

Blue Bulls powerhouse prop Lizo Gqoboka during a training session at Loftus Versfeld.Picture: Phill Magakoe

Published Nov 29, 2015

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Johannesburg – The name Lizo Gqoboka might not mean much in the greater landscape of South African rugby at the moment, but in just two weeks at Loftus Versfeld, there is talk of him becoming a household name at the Bulls.

Such has been the impression the 25-year-old Gqoboka has made in Pretoria since his sudden move from the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth that many among the Bulls management and players are unanimous in their belief he will become a Springbok next year.

Playing for the Boks has been a dream for the soft-spoken Gqoboka since taking up the game six years ago, but that will be the cherry on top of what has been nothing short of a meteoric rise to the pinnacle of club rugby in the world.

Even though Gqoboka is yet to play Super Rugby, it is almost a certainty he will be in the Bulls’ starting line-up at loosehead prop for their opening Super Rugby clash against the Stormers in Cape Town at the end of February.

Gqoboka would have played Super Rugby for the Kings next year had it not been for his move to Pretoria because of financial difficulties the Eastern Cape franchise experienced during the course of the year.

While Gqoboka would have loved nothing more than play Super Rugby at his home province, being among Springboks and playing for the most successful South African franchise in the competition will make his dream debut that much more special.

“Playing with guys like Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane and Bandise Maku, who have played for the Springboks and have plenty of Super Rugby experience, will be a good introduction to Super Rugby. They’ve gone the extra mile and made me feel comfortable at Loftus,” said Gqoboka.

However, Gqoboka is no stranger to being surrounded by Springboks after being a surprise call-up to the national team in September last year along with SA Sevens speedster Seabelo Senatla.

Gqoboka spent a week with the Boks as they prepared for their Rugby Championship encounter against Australia.

Even with rave reviews by Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer on Gqoboka’s ability, his planned loan spells to a Super Rugby franchise this year fell flat with the Kings refusing to release him.

Had Gqoboka been able to play Super Rugby this year, he probably would have played at the Rugby World Cup, but the young man who hails from Mount Frere in the former Transkei believes it was not yet his time to become a Springbok.

“It was a great experience and the fact you are recognised by the national team coach meant a lot to me. I’m working hard and I believe my dream of playing for the Boks will come true,” Gqoboka said.

While Gqoboka’s dream of wearing the green and gold is no different from that of thousands of rugby players in South Africa, it is his journey to that dream that has been nothing short of a miracle.

Six years ago and fresh out of Ntabankulu High School, all Gqoboka dreamt of was learning English and graduating with a degree in Human Resources.

Fate and good genes would map a different path for Gqoboka after his neighbour, Zekhethelo Shange, took him to training with Durban club Collegians believing that Gqoboka’s 115kg and 1.83m frame would be valuable to the club.

It was at Collegians Gqoboka got his first taste of the game and immediately fell in love with it.

His career started at eighthman before moving to lock but his real break into professional rugby came with a move to Port Elizabeth to join the Eastern Province Under-21 side as a prop.

“My neighbour back then asked me to come with him because he said I had the body to play the game. I agreed even though I could not speak English and the only sports I had played at school were soccer and athletics.

“This has happened quickly but praise the Lord. I’ve worked hard and things have happened.

“The Kings gave me an opportunity when I went there for trials and they were patient with me. Now it’s time to go and I feel this (Bulls move) is the best decision for my career,” Gqoboka said.

Bulls coach Nollis Marais said Gqoboka will thrive in Pretoria.

“He has the right attitude to go very far. I have no doubt he will become a Springbok – it is not a matter of if but when. Lizo is going to make a huge impact on our scrum, but more importantly, his skills are what is needed for the game we want to play. This guy is special and I expect a lot from him,” Marais said.

While Gqoboka’s size and skills have contributed immensely to his rise to the top, his humility, passion for the game and affectionate smile are what will endear him to the Loftus faithful and millions of Springbok fans when he eventually takes over from his role model Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira in the Springbok team.

“My parents have always supported me. They could have easily told me to stop this rugby thing because they sent me to Durban to study. But they wanted the best for me and they are proud of what I have achieved.

“My siblings, too, are proud of me and I’m grateful to have them.

“They pray for me and I believe that is one of the greatest thing you can do for any human being,” said Gqoboka.

Gqoboka’s journey to Pretoria is a modern-day rugby fairy-tale but it is just beginning, when he does become a Springbok, his impact will be felt far and wide.

– THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT

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