KIMBERLEY – At just 18 years old, loosehead prop Siphokazi van der Merwe is proving that the scrum is not just for the boys.
This Homevale High School powerhouse from Kimberley, who has represented the Griquas for a second time at the U18 Girls’ Craven Week, returned to school colours recently for the prestigious 140th celebrations of the Universal Rugby Football Club in Kimberley, and she did not disappoint.
During her first match of this Heritage Celebration Tournament on 25 September at the Kimberley Boys’ High School, which saw Homevale High and the Rietvale High School meeting on the field, Homevale came out firing.
In the front row, Siphokazi was immovable. Her scrummaging set the platform, winning three tightheads in the first half and carrying hard around the fringes.
The pack dominated, and with a clean ball from the set-piece, Homevale ran in seven tries. Siphokazi put in a full shift – tackling, cleaning rucks, and even making a line-break that led to a try.
Homevale secured a statement win of 46 – 0.
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Match two between Homevale High and the Wildeklawer Academy was a different test. Wildeklawer, a well-drilled unit, brought physicality and pace.
Despite the 36 – 7 defeat for Homevale High, Siphokazi stood out as one of Homevale’s hardest workers. She scrummed until the final whistle, made double-digit tackles, and never took a backward step against a bigger pack.
Coaches on the sidelines noted her work rate: “She is a hard-fought player. She does not stop. You need players like her in the trenches.”
From the Griquas Craven Week to leading her school at Universal’s 140th, Siphokazi continues to show why she is one of Kimberley’s most promising forwards.
In a position that demands heart, technique, and pure grit – the 18-year-old loosehead has it all.
Homevale may have split their results, but their prop left everything on the field.
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