BATHO HLEKANI: From dusty Zwide to the brink of Bok glory

In a Springbok training session filled with heavy hitters and hardened veterans, one moment stood out — a 20-year-old Batho Hlekani, roughed up on the ball, refusing to back down. It wasn’t just a flash of defiance. It was a statement.

Hlekani hails from Zwide, the same township that produced Siya Kolisi, and his journey mirrors that same grit and rise against the odds. Starting out at Ndzondelelo High School, he later moved to Graeme College, where his rugby talents truly began to shine. By 2023, he was dominating Craven Week, earning player of the week honours and a call-up to the SA Schools and SA Under-18 teams.

Now signed with the Lions and invited to train with the Springboks, Hlekani is no longer just a prospect — he’s a presence.

“Batho is a big, big man,” said Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann, who worked with him during the Junior Boks’ Under-20 campaign. “He’s strong, physical, and evolving fast. We’ve got him jumping in line-outs now — he’s becoming a complete player.”

There’s still polish to be added, especially in the tackle fight, but the raw power and hunger are unmistakable. In the Bok camp, he’s not just surviving — he’s thriving.

From township fields to the national stage, Batho Hlekani is proving he belongs. And the big men? They’re starting to take notice.