Dayimani has to pinch himself
RISING STAR: FORMER JEPPE BOY NAMED ON LIONS BENCH
Youngster took his parents’ good advice to heart.
Golden Lions teenage flank sensation Hacjivah Dayimani cannot believe he is currently rubbing shoulders with the top players in the Currie Cup who used to be his idols.
Dayimani, 19, was yesterday named on the bench for tomorrow’s clash against the Pumas at Ellis Park after a stunning try and a storming performance against the Cheetahs last weekend.
“If you asked me two years ago where I saw myself, I wouldn’t have known I’d be here,” said Dayimani, who jokingly said his nickname given by coach Swys de Bruin has been either “underachiever” or “over-achiever”.
“Coach Swys gave me the opportunity to play in the Currie Cup. It is tough, but the forwards are doing the hard yards and I get to showcase my talent,” said Dayimani who was still in school last year at Jeppe and is equally at home at centre and wing.
Dayimani said a few of his heroes are still in the team, guys like wing Anthony Volmink and flank Kwagga Smith.
“Having not made the SA Under-20 side was disappointing, but coming back to the Lions, my parents told me I could either sulk or pull up my socks ... and that’s what I did.”
The Lions named Springbok prop Ruan Dreyer in one of six changes to the team.
“We asked the Bok management to release Ruan for this weekend and we are obviously delighted to have him in the side,” said De Bruin.
No 8 Ryan Kankowski is back after recovering from a groin strain, as well as wing Madosh Tambwe which sees Sylvian Mahuza move to fullback.
Centre Harold Vorster has injured his hand and is replaced by new cap Manual Rass.
Branco du Preez, on loan from the SA Sevens, has been included on the bench and with just two backline reserves named, will also cover at scrumhalf.