Lihlumelo Jabanga, a passionate young player from Ezibeleni, Queenstown, is working hard and chasing his dream of becoming a professional rugby star. Raised in a home where rugby was more than just a sport, Lihlumelo found early inspiration from his father and older brother, both former players. However, his greatest supporters remain his mother and two sisters, who proudly cheer him on and share his journey online.
His rugby journey gained momentum at Hoërskool Hangklip, where he not only sharpened his skills but also developed leadership on and off the field. “Hangklip gave me the confidence to believe in my abilities and take rugby seriously,” he reflects. Highlights from his school career include an unbeaten u14A season in 2019 and a strong finish in his first senior team year in 2022, where they closed with six consecutive wins.
Adjusting to life at a rugby institute was no easy feat. “At first, it was tough—longer sessions, tougher routines—but it helped me become fitter and stronger,” he says. A turning point came when he received an unexpected invitation from the NextGen programme. “I don’t usually check my emails, but that day I did—and I was amazed. It felt unreal.”
Thanks to this opportunity, Lihlumelo will soon be travelling to Thailand, where he’ll take part in an international rugby programme. “It’s a chance to express my talent on a global stage and hopefully catch the eye of scouts from Asia or Europe,” he says.
His short-term goal is to make a U21 provincial team, while long-term, he dreams of signing with a professional rugby union. Inspired by icons like Siya Kolisi, Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi, he wants to show that players from small towns can make it to the top.
“Queenstown is full of talent that deserves recognition. I want to help bring that spotlight here,” he adds. And if he’s not on the field? “I’d be coaching. I’ve grown to love the sport so much, I always want to be involved.”
