There will be plenty of pedigree on the side of the FNB Madibaz scrum this year following the recruitment of Western Province U19 loose-forward Sean van Zijl. The 19-year-old, who will spend at least the next three years in Gqeberha studying towards a quantity surveying qualification at Mandela University, is one of coach David Manuel’s big coups for the FNB Varsity Shield 2025 season.
The Paarl Gymnasium alumnus stood out for the Madibaz mentor when he watched Province’s young guns beat the Sharks in Cape Town last year.
Manuel had always been aware that he needed to replace last year’s departing stalwarts with Shield novices who had experience of top-level rugby. Van Zijl fitted the bill beautifully.
Despite a thumb injury ruling him out of rugby for his entire matric year, the powerfully-built youngster was a revelation for the Western Province Academy and the prestigious Villager FC rugby club.
His performances earnt him an invitation to wear the blue-and-white hoops at junior level.
Van Zijl had been surprised to learn that Manuel had messaged his WP team manager to arrange a meeting. When they eventually chatted, he readily agreed to head east to Gqeberha.
“I believed in his plan and that’s why I’m here. I believe I can bring something to the team,” he said.
Van Zijl is a specialist eighth-man but will don the No 7 jersey for Madibaz this year.
Ironically, the man who will be packing down at the back of the scrum, skipper Leon van der Merwe, is also a Paarl Gym old boy.
He said even though openside flank was new to him he was enjoying it, including playing a greater role in the lineouts.
“I love the environment [at the university]. It’s a great place. A lot of people don’t know how nice it is.”
Even though he has only been with Madibaz a month-and-a-half, he is enjoying his new teammates and the vibe that has been created.
The squad comprised a wide variety of cultures and learning to understand and respect one another was a great experience, he said.
“I think it’s why we get along so well. I feel like I’ve got to know everyone on a different level.”
Like most South African boys, he said his dream was to play provincial rugby and that, should he receive a call from a union, he would gladly take it.
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By: Jesica Slabbert
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