WILL former Queenian and current Southern Kings winger, Yaw Penxe, be the next local to don the green and gold?
Penxe was recently included in the Junior Springboks’ extended squad in anticipation of the selection of a preliminary squad ahead of the 2017 World Rugby U20 championship to be played in Georgia from May 31 to June 18.
He represented Border at the 2015 Under-18 Craven Week competition before joining the Eastern Province Kings and, while he was at Queen’s, participated in an exchange programme in his Grade 11 year, which saw him visiting England, where he played for Kirkham Grammar School’s first XV in Lancashire.
With two training camps for the Southern Kings coming up in Johannesburg and Stellenbosch later this month, the 19-year-old admits that life is busy.
He has just finished an impressive year with the Eastern Province Kings at U19 level and in the Currie Cup qualifiers.
While Penxe realises that the extended Junior Springbok squad is still to face massive cuts, he is excited about the fact that he has been given the opportunity.
“Rugby is my passion and playing for the Boks would be an ultimate dream come true,” he admits.
He said that the past five years had been marked by commitment and dedication to fulfil his dream of one day playing for the Springboks.
His family, including mom Sonowy Nomakepu Penxe, has been a great pillar of support, with Penxe attributing his success to hard work and a firm belief that he can realise his dreams.
His advice to young people is the same. “Do not give up on your dreams, believe in yourself and work hard.”
His dreams for the future are simple – to perform on the field of play and to have a good job and a “stable” life. “I won’t ask for the perfect life,” he quips.
The people of Komani will be watching his progress with anticipation.
