Denilo, Cameron make district proud with selection to EP U17 Sevens side
The two teens to play in tournament with hopes of making national team
Two Makhanda-born rugby stars have done the district proud after their selection to the EP Under 17 team to play in a national Sevens tournament in October in Bloemfontein.
The 16-year-old stars Cameron Doyle, of Graeme College, and Denilo Jordaan, of Port Alfred High School, are on the fast track to rugby success following their selection.
Cameron, who is in Grade 11, said though his chief goal was to be selected to the EP U17 XVs team, his Sevens selection was a big step in that direction.
“My selection was very, very unexpected, but I’m so excited my goals are being achieved in the game I’m so passionate about. Sevens is important because it helps the skills level, it improves fitness levels and decision-making, so it’s a good buildup for the 15s game.”
Cameron, a utility player who can play at scrumhalf and fullback, said though he did not want to predict his future in rugby after school, he had not ruled out a career in coaching.
“Yes, I would love to coach the game I love and I am passionate about since my primary school days.
“But first of course, I would like to wear the Springbok jersey one day, which is the ultimate end-goal for all South African rugby players.”
Cameron said he had several role models in his rugby career – but one stood out head and shoulders above everyone else.
“My dad has played an important role in my rugby career because he is always pushing me, guiding me to be the best I can be. Also the coaches at Graeme College are always doing their best to keep us interested and to ensure we keep the rugby systems in place that will help us do well in our rugby careers,” Cameron said.
Denilo, who has played rugby from the age of 11, while at St Mary’s Primary in Makhanda, is a multi-talented sportsman, having excelled for PAHS in cricket and athletics.
He was selected to the Sevens team after his performances at trials at Grey High School during the mid-year school holidays.
The young star has built up several accolades in his rugby career, gaining selection for the VKB Invitational Rugby Side that toured Ireland in December last year and he represented the EP U16s last year.
His performance against Leopards in his favoured scrumhalf position earned him the tournament’s Man of the Match award.
Denilo played and started in all the games and was EP’s playmaker during the tournament. His other list of achievements include: Best U13 Rugby Player at PAHS, Sarah Baartman U15 7s
team, Eastern Cape U15 7s team, EP U16 team, VKS U16 Ireland Rugby Tour, Best 1st XV player at PAHS and EP U17 7s team. He also played in the first XI cricket team for PAHS and excels at athletics.
“I played my heart out during the Sevens trials,
until the last game and gave my best to be where I am. I am very proud of myself for achieving one of my goals and will continue working very hard,” said Denilo.
His role model is France captain Antoine Dupont, his hero is Springbok legend Bryan
Habana, and his dream is to play at Loftus Versveld and wear the Springbok jersey one day.
He and Cameron now hope to be selected to the national Sevens side at the October 2-3 tournament. –