Captain's profile: Sintu Manjezi

The St Andrew's 1st XV skipper is no stranger to top level rugby and will be hoping his experience will help his side get one over the old rival, Graeme College, this weekend.

The veteran of three years of 1st XV rugby will be invaluable for Manjezi and his side when the play against their fellow Grahamstownians at Graeme on Saturday.

Manjezi began his rugby career in East London at Selborne Prep before making the move to Grahamstown where he played at St Andrews Prep and then on to the College.

"I have been playing 1st team rugby since Grade 10 and have played on the flank as well as at lock," Manjezi said.

He was selected for the South Africa under-16 Green Squad in 2011 which he explains was a massive boost for his rugby career.

"The Green Squad helped me gain some valuable experience and it also helped me realise that I can play rugby at the top level," Manjezi explained.

Manjezi also represented the Eastern Province Under-18 Country Districts side at Craven Week in 2012 which shows that he has played close to the top level.

The St Andrews lock says that the player that he most admires is Siya Kolisi.

"He [Kolisi] runs hard with the ball and enjoys contact.

"He is also a player that makes his tackles and makes them hard.

"I jump in the line-outs so in that respect I admire Victor Matfield," the St Andrews captain added.

Taking on the captaincy is something that tends to effects a number of players but it is an issue that Manjezi has come to terms with.

"It initially had an influence on my game but I have delt with it and it's fine now," Manjezi explained.

The game against Graeme College is a unique derby with the schools being so close to each other and the bragging rights amongst the all-boys schools is up for grabs.

"Graeme are always up for this game and they throw everything at us.

"It is the match that determines the bragging rights in the town," the captain said.