Suleiman Hartzenberg is aspiring to become the first rugby player from the impoverished township of Manenberg on the Cape Flats to play for the Springboks.
The former Bishops and Ikey Tigers player burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old making his United Rugby Championship (URC) debut against Connact in 2022.
The electric outside back immediately dazzled fans with his pace, skill and try-scoring prowess.
Hartzenberg shows his prowess for Bishops on the track Pic: Instagram
However, a knee injury, suffered while on duty for Western Province in the Currie Cup, temporarily paused his impressive debut campaign.
Stormers head coach John Dobson describes Hartzenberg as a member of a “very special generation” of players who are destined for higher honours.
He represented the Junior Springboks with distinction at under 20 level and was named in the South Africa A squad for their European tour in October 2022.
Hartzenberg in action for the Junior Springboks Pic: Instagram
The 21-year-old who is equally comfortable on the wing and at outside centre talent has not gone unnoticed.
It therefore came as no surprise when Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus called the speedster up to a Bok alignment earlier this year in February.
Speaking to theathlete.co.za at the launch of the Stormers new home and away kit for the 24/25 URC season, Hartzenberg says he feels particularly confident because his pre-season has gone well.
“I have completely recovered from my knee injury. I think I needed this pre-season to get more comfortable with my body after the injury and I am super happy to just go out and hit the field,” said an excited Hartzenberg.
“Being part of the Springbok camp was a massive privilege. Not everyone gets that opportunity. There are so many learnings I took away from the camp.
“Hopefully I can apply it to my game and stick to what we are doing at the Stormers to get to higher honours and hopefully represent the Springboks one day.
“But my first job is to focus on the Stormers … do well for them and just keep on performing.”
Even though Hartzenberg did not make Erasmus test squad, he says he is grateful for the feedback he got on the aspects of his game he needs to improve on.
“Yes, you will always get feedback from them [the Bok camp]. It’s good to know and it allowed me to work on it in the off-season.
“Hopefully, I am applying it correctly. I have seen how my game have been changing. I am really looking forward to see how I have developed during the pre-season. We’ll see how it goes.
“There are so many things I still need to work on. There is nothing I can pinpoint right now. Even if you had a phenomenal game, there is always something you feel you could have done better.
“I will never be perfect and there will always be something that I can improve on.
Hartzenberg’s says his love for rugby comes from his older brothers who have all excelled at the sport.
“It definitely started with my older brothers. Naturally we all just went with rugby because everybody was playing it. Saturdays were meant for rugby. We were always playing outside in the roads with our friends. Rugby was always big in our family.
“We all represented Manenberg Rangers. There is so much talent out there.”
Suleiman Hartzenberg on attack for the Stormers Pic: Instagram
Even though Hartzenberg does not have a particular preference, rugby experts are touting the speedster as a future Springbok in the outside centre position.
“Yes, I am always switching between centre and wing. I think it’s great for me because it shows my versatility if I can play 13 or wing. It all depends where the team needs me at the moment. I will always give my best,” added Hartzenberg.
