SA Rugby magazine chats to the flank/lock from Durban High School.

GUMEDE ON …

PLAYING FOR SA SCHOOLS
‘It was tough but a good experience for a 17-year-old in Grade 11. I got out of my comfort zone and learned a lot, like how to get along with other people and also the culture of South African rugby.’

HIS STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
‘My ball skills are good, but I need to work on my speed. As a flank, I must be able to get around the field much quicker.’

HIS SHORT- AND LONG-TERM GOALS
‘I want to play in the Currie Cup in 2019 or 2020. My biggest dream is to play Super Rugby and for the Springboks at the age of 20 or 21.’

PLAYING PROVINCIAL AND SARU U17 SEVENS
‘Sevens requires different skills; playing it helped to improve my skills as a loose forward quite a lot. It’s about expressing yourself. I got to be more mobile and play in more space. It was a good experience.’

BALANCING ACADEMICS AND SPORT
‘There is a time to study and a time to train. When I’m on the field, I’m on the field. But when I’m off it, I make sure I study.’

THE PLAYER WHO INSPIRES HIM
‘Kieran Read plays a game that I would like to play. He’s a mobile player and very physical. He’s also a very good leader.’

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HIM

• Grew up in Zululand and lives in Durban.
• Attended Umfolozi Primary School but spent his Grade 7 year at Nuwe Republiek.
• Plays flank or lock for Durban High School’s 1st XV.
• Deputy head boy for DHS.
• Was KwaZulu-Natal’s vice-captain at the 2017 U17 provincial tournament and scored in the final against Western Province.
• Played for SA U17 at the Assupol International Sevens tournament.
• Came off the bench for SA Schools against England and France last year.
• Enjoys playing touch rugby and five-a-side football.

COACH’S VIEW

‘Celimpilo’s future is as a loose forward. He has good athletic abilities and his mobility and pace suits that position. He is a strong ball-carrier and good lineout jumper. He needs to improve his tackling, though, and make more dominant tackles, especially if he is going to play at No 7.’ – LANCE SENDIN (SA SCHOOLS)

FACT FILE

HEIGHT: 1.90m
WEIGHT: 98kg
POSITION: Flank
SCHOOL: Durban High
OTHER TEAMS: KwaZulu-Natal U13, U16, U17 Sevens, U18; SA U17 Sevens, SA Schools

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