Just eight months ago, Siba Mahashe made his BKT URC debut. But the 22-year-old loose forward is already regarded as one of the brightest young talents in South African rugby.
This was illustrated by his inclusion in the Springboks alignment camp in May, when he made his debut for the South Africa And against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha next month.
Then, in August, he further enhanced his reputation with a man-of-the-match display in a thrilling 10Bet Lions clash with the tour All black people.
He has now started the new season by helping the Johannesburg outfit win their first two BKT URC matches to move up to third in the table.
A big derby clash with Vodacom follows Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria this Saturday.
It has been an extremely rapid rise for Masashe and he is clearly a young man with a great future in the game.
However, rugby really found him by accident.
“I started playing in elementary school when I was eight,” he explains. “I didn’t actually plan to play rugby, I played football and cricket.
“But my friends were playing rugby and they were short of players.
“So my dad had to quickly buy me some play equipment.
“I always call it the year rugby chose me.”
Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, Mahashe earned a scholarship to Hudson Park High School in KuGompo City and caught the eye while playing for Border at the famous Craven Week 2022.
This earned him selection for the South African schools and he was to captain the team on several occasions, later winning international honors with the Baby Boks at the 2024 U20 World Cup.
After moving to Johannesburg, he made his debut for Lions ua Challenge Cup conflict with Lyon in January this year and then took his BKT URC bow against Hollywoodbets Sharks next month, marking the occasion with a try.
His obvious dynamic talent was soon recognized as he quickly made it into the 40-man Springboks camp.
“It was a dream come true for me,” says the sidekick. “Most rugby players dream of playing for the Springboks, so to be considered a part of that environment made me very happy.
“It ignited my faith that the work I put in and the good performances I produced were recognised.
“It was a great motivation for me to continue to do better and improve in every match I play.”
Regarding his memorable performance against New Zealand, he says: “Everyone grows up watching the Springboks against the All Blacks, so watching the Haka and actually experiencing it was an unreal moment for me.”
Mahashe is clearly a very dedicated young man, which he reveals when he outlines his approach to his work.
“For me, it’s about having friends who aren’t athletes and telling them no whenever they want to go out during the week,” he said.
“It’s about knowing why and what makes you perform on the weekend.
“My younger self would be very proud that I kept going. Even on the days when it was hard, I kept going and kept pushing.”
He continued: “My game is really about bringing energy to the team. I’m always going to give my all on the pitch, no matter what the game is, no matter the scoreboard, whether we’re losing or winning.”
“I want people to remember me as a guy who played rugby for fun and enjoyment.
“My family calls me every day to make sure I’m good, and that helps remind me why I’m doing this.”
As for what makes Leos a party, he says, “I think it’s the love we have for each other and the willingness to work for each other all the time.
“We’re not just playing for ourselves, we’re playing for everyone in Johannesburg. It means a lot to us. We really like to put on a show for the fans.
“I think the highlight for me so far was winning the South African Shield last season. Ever since I’ve been at the Lions, I’ve always wanted to win a trophy. So to win my first trophy was a very special moment.”
He added: “The leaders here make it easy for us youngsters to feel part of the team. So I’m completely settled and relaxed in the side.”
“We have very good loose forwards here and, being young, I obviously learn from the older guys. I have people around me who can teach me. I learn a lot and take from them in every training session. That’s what I’ve learned.”
“The way I play and the game we play at the Lions are very suitable for loose forwards like me. The style of play is the best for my capabilities.”
“I would like to stay fit and injury free as the season goes on and get better. There are parts of my game that I think I can still improve.”
