Tzaneen has a new world champion. Kebotile Motlotjoa Maake helped the Junior Springboks win the World Rugby U20 Championship, bringing global rugby glory to Limpopo.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Twenty-year-old Kebotile Motlotjoa Maake has reached the pinnacle of junior rugby after helping the Junior Springboks retain the World Rugby U20 Championship title in Georgia, becoming one of Limpopo’s latest rugby stars to conquer the world.
South Africa successfully defended their crown by defeating France 16-5 in the World Rugby U20 Championship final, capping another memorable campaign for the young Springboks.
Although Maake did not feature in the final, the dynamic loose forward played a vital role in South Africa’s title-winning campaign. His standout performance came in the semi-finals, where he scored two crucial tries in the Junior Boks’ thrilling 53-37 victory over England to send South Africa into the championship decider.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Maake paid tribute to the people who helped shape his career.
“For me this journey is not possible without Mom, Dad and the rest of my family, who are my biggest supporters. My coaches, Mr Greyling’s team and, in high school, Coach Mr Engelbrecht and the system. The Gordans have been a part of my reason to play and, of course, Jesus most importantly.”
Growing up in Limpopo, Maake admits becoming a world champion never seemed like a realistic dream.
“You sort of don’t dream about these things when you’re young coming from Limpopo because you don’t even know they exist. That makes it a more rewarding feeling, I guess. Just playing the game for the love of it and in hopes of making it big one day.”
The Junior Springboks dominated the tournament from start to finish, opening with a record 104-7 victory over Uruguay before defeating hosts Georgia and Wales to top their pool. They then overcame England in a high-scoring semi-final before beating France to retain the world title.
Maake’s achievement has sparked celebrations across Tzaneen and the wider Bolobedu region, where many see his success as proof that world-class talent can emerge from rural Limpopo.
Despite standing on top of the rugby world, the humble loose forward says his greatest priority is not fame or success, but his faith.
He also had a message for young people back home.
“Only one thing is more important than your dreams and your goals, and that’s a relationship with Jesus. Chase it as much as you do every other thing.”
Maake’s inspiring words are likely to resonate with aspiring athletes across the province, many of whom now have a local role model who has shown that with faith, dedication and hard work, even the biggest dreams can become reality.
From the rugby fields of Limpopo to the top of the world, Kebotile Motlotjoa Maake’s name is now etched into South African rugby history as a World Rugby U20 champion.