Watch out for ‘hot sticks’ Mavovana

MIKE MAVOVANA is a precocious rugby talent. The Rondebosch Boys’ High Under-19A fullback has scored 16 tries in 12 matches for the school.

He has scored in almost every one of those games, and most of his touchdowns have been solo efforts.

The teenager is capable of spotting space ahead of time, and his blistering pace does the rest.

And he will be in action today (12.30pm) when Rondebosch host Bishops in the 190th meeting between the bitter school rivals.

“Mike has plenty of X-factor,” said Bosch coach Mark Lindenberg. “He runs the 100 metres in 10.6 (seconds) and that alone makes him a deadly threat.

“He has great hands and vision as well, not to mention a darn good boot for such a small man.

“Basically, he has it all and I’m sure he’ll thrill his legion of fans and do the business for us against Bishops if we can get him into space.”

Lindenberg is also confident that his star No 15 will be selected for the Western Province Craven Week team.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that Mike is one of the best ( schoolboy) back- three players in the province and possibly in the country. He’s done it all and his stats tell a story. I’m sure the selectors will make the right call,” he said.

Mavovana was born and raised in Stellenbosch where he attended Rhenish Primary School. “I was a young, hot sticks boy playing U7s and growing up in the ranks and age-groups,” he said.

“Being in Stellenbosch is what exposed me to being able to speak a few languages, English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.

“That’s where I was spotted by someone from Rondebosch who offered me a scholarship to come to Rondebosch Boys’ High.

“Being one of three boys to receive the Carleton Lloyd Scholarship changed my life in a positive way.

“In return for the amazing gift I received, I made sure that I gave it my all in everything I did and hopefully I’ve succeeded in that.

“I started out with the U14A team and slowly but surely worked my way through the ranks and, in 2015, I got selected for the first XV. That was a great thrill.

“I had a decent season and the experience proved invaluable. Things have gone my way this season and I’ve enjoyed the brotherhood that comes with team sport.

“Now for the big derby against Bishops on our home field and here’s hoping that we can deliver the goods. I’ll be doing my bit and we should come good if we play to our full potential.”

Mavovana has his sights set on one day playing Sevens for the Blitzboks. “I think my future lies in the shortest format of the game and I will give it a crack once I’ve matriculated at the end of the year,” he said.

“Not to say that I’m ruling out playing the 15-man game, I think I have something to offer even though I may be deemed too small.”

Mavovana is indeed talented to make things happen at the drop of a hat in both formats of the game, and he reminds one of former Springbok and Sharks utility back Brent Russell.

The diminutive Russell mesmerised defences in both the Sevens and 15- man formats, thanks to his speed, quick feet and sharp eye for a gap.