Captain's profile: Zono Siphelele
The fullback has had an illustrious rugby career thus far, having played for the Eastern Province Country District Under-18 Academy Week team in 2014 and 2015, respectively. He also went on to represent Border's Under-19 Currie Cup side in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
The experience the young man accumulated throughout the years has given him the confidence to lead the first XV with pride.
"Playing at Provincial level is always a great feeling. It is nice to get the recognition and it has taught me that hard work pays off. I had the privilege to play representative rugby since 2014 and my highlight would definitely be the U19 Currie Cup match in 2015 when Border played Griquas.
"Playing at that level really helped me to deal with the challenges of being captain. I would have never have guessed that my teammates thought that highly of me, it is an honour to lead them," Siphelele said.
Having won last year's Classic Clash, and being on a winning streak this season, Zweliyandila head into this match with great confidence despite missing two strong first XV players, Magaza Lubabalo and Stemele Aphiwe, due to injury.
"We always had the upper hand when it comes to the Classic Clash and our season has been very good. Despite our injuries and fielding a very inexperienced side on Friday, I am hopeful that we can pull it off to secure a win.
"I expect a tough match, but we just have to give it our best especially seeing that it is our last match of the season, we should close it off with a bang," he added.
Rugby is an inevitable part of Siphelele's life and the matriculant's future plans are to play for the Border U21 and hopes to one day put on the Green and Gold jersey.
