Thilip Marole - Potchestroom Boys High Captain

A No.8 who does the 100m dash in 10.9 seconds

Thilip Marole is captain of Potch Boys High, who play local rivals HTS Potchestroom in an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday.

Thilip Marole is in Grade 12 at Potch Boys High and is a school and hostel prefect. Born on the mines at Western Deep levels on 20 August 1988, and having attended Rocklands Primary, he moved to Boys High and the hostel in Grade Eight.

Never having played rugby before, Thilip started out as a prop in the Under-14 D team. He has clearly excelled at the game as by Under-16 he was on the flank and in the Leopards team for the Grant Khomo Week. This is his second year in the 1st XV, where he captains the team from No.8.

Extremely fast for a forward, Thilip does the 100m dash in 10.9 seconds; he cites his speed and footwork as his strengths. At 1.85 metres and 90kgs he can more than hold his own up front though and he likes to use his speed to carry the ball up and cover defend.

As a leader Thilip looks up to New Zealand skipper Tana Umaga, but as a player he admires the technique of Hurricanes No.8 Rodney So'oialo.

Thilip rates the strengths of his team as its potent backline and strong defence. He is confident that even though they are playing away at HTS Potch on Saturday his team will win. Potch Boys High have only played five game so far this season, with a win over St. Stithians their most notable to date. The teams did not play last year due to a fixture clash, so this year's games carries even more importance.

Thilip hopes to make Craven Week this year and then further his rugby and academic careers in Johannesburg.

Captaining Potch Boys High to a derby win would certainly look good on his CV.

For a profile of Potchefstroom Boys' High, click here.