Zekhethelo Siyaya's outing against Zimbabwe may have been cut short by injury, but the Sharks rising star said his call-up to the South Africa A squad was an experience that will shape him for years to come.
The 21-year-old fullback, who grew up in the small northern KwaZulu-Natal town of éDumbe before earning a scholarship to Westville Boys’ High School in Durban, has had a rapid rise through the rugby ranks. From forcing his way into the Sharks Academy straight out of school, to earning his URC debut and now pulling on the South Africa A jersey, his trajectory is one of the most exciting in KZN rugby at the moment.
Despite leaving the field in the first half against Zimbabwe, the youngster has no complaints. "That environment is very special and for me it is the next step towards the ultimate dream of being a Springbok," he said.
"Every day you get a chance to be a better version of yourself. You're there to learn, whether you're playing or not. There are world-class players and world-class coaches that you can tap into and you have to navigate new situations each day. It demands more energy and more focus, but that's what makes it so valuable."
Perhaps more revealing was what the experience taught him about himself.
"I honestly didn't know if I could survive that kind of intensity, but I did," he admitted. "I had to learn lineout calls and moves in about two days because I came in late. It really tested my brain and my mentality. It showed me I can adapt under pressure."
At club level, Siyaya has settled into the Sharks environment with the ease of someone who belongs. He speaks warmly of head coach JP Pietersen and the influence of senior players around him.
"Coach JP doesn't put you in a corner. He trusts that you know what you're capable of, I really love that about his coaching style. Playing alongside guys like André Esterhuizen and other senior players has been incredible, you just follow their lead, and you grow."
With a new season approaching and a fresh wave of young talent arriving at the Sharks, Siyaya is excited about what lies ahead.
"There's new, fresh energy and that also means an attacking brand of rugby. The experienced guys will give us the confidence and the foundation, and I think we're going to play some really good rugby together."
Beyond his own ambitions, Siyaya is mindful of the platform his journey represents for the next generation. "I want the kids in the stands to see hope," he said.
"I want them to see that even if you come from a difficult background, you can still make it. Just know your goal, know where you want to be and play with zero fear and absolute commitment."