Lions back talented youngsters

Junior Springbok tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been given the captaincy for the Sigma Lions as they selected a young and talented side to face DHL Western Province in the Currie Cup clash in Cape Town on Saturday.

Selected from the majority of the side that won the SA under-20 Cup last season, the Lions have decided to rest several of their stalwarts and send in a very young side for the opening clash, showing their hand for the season.

Ntlabakanye is seen as a future leader and is one of 10 Junior Springboks in the match 23, and is looking forward to leading the side out.

“It’s a massive honour and privilege for me to be called upon to lead this group”.

"To be captain at a franchise that I've played for since I was U16 is huge thing for me. I'm also lucky enough to have strong leaders around me who I can lean on during the game."

"The focus this week has been about what we can bring to the table as a squad," explains Ntlabakanye.

"Western Province away has never been an easy fixture. We know they have a strong set piece and can be dangerous in open play but we'll ready for that."

While the squad includes former Bulls flyhalf Vaughen Isaacs, as well as the impressive Emmanuelle Tshituka, it is a very young side that will be tested by a more experienced WP team in Cape Town.

But new Currie Cup coach Mziwakhe Nkosi is very excited to see what they can bring to the competition.

“I’m quite excited for this group of young men. It's an opportunity for them to express themselves against the best the Carling Currie Cup has to offer."

"We are quite pleased with the side we've selected for Saturday. Most of them have tasted success in last year's U20 domestic competition, so as a management group we back them to showcase their talent,” Nkosi said.

Sigma Lions:Quan Horn, Boldwin Hansen, James Mollentze, Aidynn Cupido, Zeilinga Strydom, Vaughen Isaacs, Jurich Claasens; Emmanuel Tshituka, Jarod Cairns, Mark Snyman, Simon Dionisio, PJ Steenkamp, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (captain), Dameon Venter, Banele Mthenjane

Replacements:Darnell Osuagwu, Heiko Pohlmann, Sibusiso Shongwe, Ruan Venter, Lunga Ncube, MJ Pelser, Nico Steyn, Tyler Bocks