ACHIEVEMENTS & MILESTONES
Discover the remarkable achievements of our featured athletes. From record-breaking performances to prestigious awards, each milestone tells a story of dedication and perseverance.
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SA Schools Rugby
2024
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SA Schools Rugby
2025
POSITION:
Fullback / Wing
CLUB TEAM:
Sharks
HOMETOWN:
Paulpietersburg
DOB:
August 20, 2007
CATEGORY:
Youth
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Zekhethelo Siyaya, a 17-year-old rugby prodigy from Westville Boys’ High School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has emerged as one of the most electrifying talents in South African schoolboy rugby. Originally from Paulpietersburg Primary in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal, Siyaya arrived at Westville as a shy, undersized player but quickly dispelled concerns about his stature with his extraordinary skill set. His natural athleticism and versatility have positioned him as a standout prospect, drawing comparisons to some of South Africa’s rugby greats and earning him a spot on the radar of professional unions for 2026.
Siyaya excels as a fullback or wing, known for his blistering acceleration, advanced aerial prowess, and ability to kick off both feet with precision, whether booming exits or deceptive grubbers. His rugby IQ and work rate set him apart, as evidenced by his 17 tries in 16 matches for Westville’s First XV in 2024, including a brilliant debut try against Michaelhouse. Despite a knee injury at the 2024 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival that sidelined him for five matches, Siyaya returned with a vengeance, scoring two tries and providing five try assists in dominant wins over Durbanville and Dale at the Grey High Festival in Gqeberha. His brace against Hilton College secured Westville’s first victory over the Midlands powerhouse in a decade, further cementing his reputation.
At the 2024 U18 Craven Week in Krugersdorp, Siyaya shone for the Sharks, playing on the wing and causing havoc with his steepling high balls and try-scoring exploits. His performance earned him a call-up to the SA Schools team, where he delivered a hat-trick against the SA Schools ‘A’ side in a 38-22 victory, showcasing his ability to perform on the national stage. His versatility also saw him play first receiver in phase play, executing skillful kick-passes and offloads that dismantled defenses. In the 2024 Under-18 International Series, Siyaya scored a brace against Ireland, contributing to South Africa’s 38-26 win at Paarl Gimnasium.
As he enters the 2025 season, Siyaya is poised to lead Westville back to the top of the KwaZulu-Natal league, with scouts from major unions like the Sharks, Bulls, and Lions closely monitoring his progress. His trajectory suggests a bright future, potentially as a future Springbok star.
Siyaya excels as a fullback or wing, known for his blistering acceleration, advanced aerial prowess, and ability to kick off both feet with precision, whether booming exits or deceptive grubbers. His rugby IQ and work rate set him apart, as evidenced by his 17 tries in 16 matches for Westville’s First XV in 2024, including a brilliant debut try against Michaelhouse. Despite a knee injury at the 2024 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival that sidelined him for five matches, Siyaya returned with a vengeance, scoring two tries and providing five try assists in dominant wins over Durbanville and Dale at the Grey High Festival in Gqeberha. His brace against Hilton College secured Westville’s first victory over the Midlands powerhouse in a decade, further cementing his reputation.
At the 2024 U18 Craven Week in Krugersdorp, Siyaya shone for the Sharks, playing on the wing and causing havoc with his steepling high balls and try-scoring exploits. His performance earned him a call-up to the SA Schools team, where he delivered a hat-trick against the SA Schools ‘A’ side in a 38-22 victory, showcasing his ability to perform on the national stage. His versatility also saw him play first receiver in phase play, executing skillful kick-passes and offloads that dismantled defenses. In the 2024 Under-18 International Series, Siyaya scored a brace against Ireland, contributing to South Africa’s 38-26 win at Paarl Gimnasium.
As he enters the 2025 season, Siyaya is poised to lead Westville back to the top of the KwaZulu-Natal league, with scouts from major unions like the Sharks, Bulls, and Lions closely monitoring his progress. His trajectory suggests a bright future, potentially as a future Springbok star.
