From KES to Glory: How Two Jozi Schoolboys Are Powering the Junior Boks’ World Cup Dream

Childhood dreams, Jozi roots, and a nation watching

There is something special about watching childhood dreams unfold on the world stage. For two former schoolmates from King Edward VII School (KES) in Johannesburg, that dream is playing out in real time at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy.

Siphosethu Mnebelele, affectionately known as Esethu, and Vusi Moyo are not just teammates for the Junior Springboks; they are long-time friends who have been grinding it out together since their Golden Lions high school days. Now they stand shoulder to shoulder in South Africa’s quest to reclaim U20 rugby glory.

With wins over heavyweights like Australia and defending champions England and Scotland, the Junior Boks have stormed into the semi-finals. Next up is Argentina in a do-or-die clash in Viadana, with the coveted final within touching distance.

A dream built on high school scrums

“We used to talk about this all the time,” Mnebelele shared ahead of the semi-final. “Back in school, we would say how amazing it would be to wear the green and gold one day.”

That “one day” is now.

Both players represented SA Schools and the SA U18 team last year, taking on the likes of England, Ireland, and Georgia. Their chemistry, years in the making, has been one of the quiet engines behind the Junior Boks’ success.

Off the pitch, they remain humble and soft-spoken. On the pitch, though, Moyo has racked up a tournament-leading 34 points, while scrumhalf Haashim Pead leads in tries. But it is the unseen work, tight set pieces, defensive grit, and leadership that have kept this squad charging forward.

Image 1: Pexels

Crunch time in Viadana

For hooker Mnebelele, the semi-final is more than just a match; it is a chance to rewrite history.

The last time the Junior Boks reached the final was in 2014. Their last win was the legendary 2012 championship at Newlands, led by now-household names like Handré Pollard, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Steven Kitshoff.

Mnebelele knows Argentina will not go quietly. “They are physical, passionate, and very good at the set piece,” he said. “But we have prepped for this. Our group stage was tough and pushed us hard, which has us ready for knockout rugby.”

Coach Kevin Foote warned early on that this tournament would be no walk in the park. He was right. But if anyone is battle-tested, it is this squad.

Social buzz and national pride

On social media, local fans have been rallying behind the team, with comments pouring in praising the KES duo’s rise from schoolboy standouts to national heroes in the making.

“From the fields of Houghton to flying the flag in Italy, proud of our boys!” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Pride is the prevailing mood. Not just in Jozi but across the country, as South Africa looks to recapture that world-beating spirit from years past.

One more game, one more shot

As the clock ticks toward kick-off at 20:30 SA time on Monday night, live on SuperSport, all eyes will be on Mnebelele, Moyo, and the rest of the Junior Boks squad.

It is more than just a semi-final. It is a coming-of-age story built on friendship, forged in grit, and carried by the hopes of a rugby-mad nation.

Also read: Home Soil, Big Dreams: Springbok Women Call for Gqeberha Crowd Ahead of Canada Clash

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Source: SABC Sport

Featured Image: SA Rugby