Golden Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen praised Hacjivah Dayimani after his Man of the Match performance against the Blue Bulls at Loftus.

Dayimani scored his second brace in as many weeks to help the visitors come back from a 28-21 half-time deficit to win the match 38-35. The 20-year-old also won a turnover penalty that effectively sealed the game for the visitors.

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Speaking after the match, Van Rooyen hailed the former Jeppe pupil, who made his senior breakthrough during last year’s Currie Cup campaign.

‘When you consider where he is from and what he is currently doing, he is a special young man,’ Van Rooyen said. ‘He is inspiring a lot of people, he is a great role model.

‘What I really like about him is his hunger to improve and get better. He’s got all the ability, he’s an athletic monster, he’s quick, explosive and strong.

‘I am excited about him and all the youngsters in the group like [wing] Madosh Tambwe, [centre] Wandisile Simelane and [flank] Len Massyn.’

The Lions next host a young Free State Cheetahs side before taking on Western Province, who will be fresh from a bye, in a clash that will be telling as to who finishes top of the table.

‘It is such a short competition, only six games [per team during the league stage], so every away win is a bonus,’ Van Rooyen said. ‘You simply have to capitalise when you can.

‘We showed a bit of guts towards the end, with the youngsters on the field. I am ecstatic they were able to experience that, it is a big positive.’

Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images