Batho Hlekani: Lions’ Zwide sensation set for Siya Kolisi showdown
United Rugby Championship
Lions flanker Batho Hlekani is set for an emotional "full circle" moment this Saturday as he prepares to face his idol, Siya Kolisi. Photo: Bacpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
When Batho Hlekani packs down for the Lions on Saturday against the Sharks in their United Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park (kick-off 2pm), he will look his hero in the eye. It will be a friendly face, a well-known face, and one adored by many South Africans.
Like his hero, Siya Kolisi, Hlekani hails from Zwide. While the current Springbok captain and double Rugby World Cup winner has put the Eastern Cape township on the map, his legacy lives on in players such as the 20-year-old Junior Bok.
This weekend, the two former teammates could eye-ball each other if selected by their respective teams — Hlekani at blindside and Kolisi at openside. It is an opportunity the youngster is relishing.
"To face Siya is going to be a nostalgic moment," Hlekani said on Tuesday, following the Lions' training session at Joburg Stadium. "I don’t even know how to explain it.
"Since I was young, Siya has been someone I looked up to. We come from the same township, Zwide, in the Eastern Cape. When I was young, he used to come and watch at Emsengeni Primary School, where he also studied.
"The fact that I am standing here today and will go up against him on the pitch in an official game is a huge deal for me. He’s always been someone I’ve aspired to play with and against. This weekend is going to be a big one for me."
Ruan Venter of the Lions. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
In the absence of Ruan Venter, who had previously been serving a prolonged match ban for foul play, Hlekani has enjoyed healthy game time since joining the Lions earlier this year. Venter is expected back this weekend, but talk in Joburg suggests he might return at lock, which could see Hlekani retain the No. 7 jersey.
The selection of both bruisers could be of critical importance for the Lions after they were battered 52-17 by the Bulls a few weeks ago. With another physical battle expected, their presence in the starting XV could ensure a more equal struggle upfront.
If Hlekani can channel his respect for the opposition into a massive performance, he won't just be the kid from Zwide following in Siya’s footsteps — he’ll be carving out a path of his own.
* Morgan Bolton is Independent Media's National Sports Editor and editor of our Youtube channel The Clutch