‘Destined for greatness’: The story behind Vusi Moyo’s journey from KES to Boks

INTERVIEW: When Vusi Moyo was part of the King Edward VII (KES) first XV rugby side in 2023 and 2024, he had already emerged as a promising young flyhalf, and many viewed him as a prospect.

During that period, Moyo demonstrated the qualities of a special player and combined his talents with a relentless work ethic that set him apart from his peers.

He quickly developed as a playmaker, matured from a young age, and worked hard on his kicking game, with the help of his former coach, Marco Engelbrecht.

The qualities he showed during his high school years came to the fore when he made his unofficial debut for the Springboks in their 80-31 win over the Barbarians in Gqeberha.

Moyo had a 27-minute cameo and delivered a clean performance where he controlled the game well and showed that he belongs on the international stage.

His inclusion in the 42-man squad for the inaugural Nations Championship isn’t something that just happened overnight, and it’s been a work in progress since 2023, according to his former coach, Engelbrecht.

“Moyo has always been extremely talented,” Engelbrecht told Rugby365.

“There was a pivotal time in his career in Grade 11, where, after an Easter Sunday, we sat down and had a real heart-to-heart conversation about where he wanted to go and how he was going to go about his business.

“We had to be honest with each other, and I told him that his talent wasn’t going to be enough to get him to where he needs to be.

“He bought into that quite well, made a massive change in terms of his attitude and conditioning and started working harder.

“He started staying extra after practise, always kicking, and there was a change in his motivation and work ethic, which I was really proud of.”

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While Moyo’s career seems to have skyrocketed just two years after leaving school, he was equally impressive during his time at KES and had a storied school career overall.

He represented the Golden Lions Provincial sides from 2022, where he played for the U16s at Grant Khomo Week before making the Academy Week team a year later.

It was in his final year of school, in 2024, that he took the schoolboy scene by storm and made those who were unaware of him take notice.

“When we started seeing him come through the provincial ranks, and playing SA Schools, you kind of knew there was something special in him,” the coach added.

“He mirrored his talent with work ethic, desperation and putting in the extra yards.

“Even when he came in as a Grade 8 at KES, he always had incredible ability. At his age, to be able to kick the ball the way he did made us see there was always a big scope for him.”

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In terms of his general play, Engelbrecht believes the youngster has made massive strides since joining the Sharks and playing for the Junior Boks.

Moyo was part of the U20 side that won the Junior World Cup last year and went on to make his United Rugby Championship (URC) debut for the Sharks in their final match of the season against Zebre.

Besides the kicking game, he can link up brilliantly with his midfield, make others around him look good, and he does it effortlessly. These are traits he has always had, according to Engelbrecht.

“Moyo has always had a lot of time on the ball.

“He always just had a second extra than everyone else, and that’s just a sign of a special player.

“Whether there was pressure or not, he was relaxed and has developed his game nicely over the years.

“He has a massive kicking game on him, and his kicking average has skyrocketed while his attacking game has also taken some nice growth.

“He can exit with his boot, relieve pressure, kick from one 22 to the other, and kick for goal, with his average sitting around 85 to 90%.

“He can also take the ball to the line. He’s actually a really strong boy, and to be honest, I see a lot of glimpses of Handre Pollard in him.”

Engelbrecht added: “He’s also a brilliant defender, and all around, I think the boy is destined for greatness.”

Moyo, who looks set to make his official debut during the Nations Championship against England, Scotland or Wales, will compete for a spot with Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has also spoken highly of the youngster, with the coaching staff’s faith in Moyo helping explain his inclusion in the squad.

While the decision may have come as a shock to many, Engelbrecht believes the stars have just aligned for him.

“I didn’t think it would happen as quickly as it did, but I think fortune sometimes is in your favour.

“With Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] being injured, and him getting his opportunity against the Barbarians, and how he used that opportunity, says a lot about his character.

“I’m really proud of him, and I think he has proven that he belongs there, and that’s why they’ve backed him.”