As the Junior Springboks pack their bags for Tbilisi, they do so with a new maestro in the kitchen.
At just 19, flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, known simply as “The Chef,” headlines an exciting 31-man SA U20 squad named by head coach Kevin Foote for a three-match tour of Georgia later this month. And if recent performances are anything to go by, opposition defences in the Caucasus are about to be flambéed.
The former Wynberg Boys’ High No 10 has been stirring up chaos in backlines with a sizzling skill set and vision as sharp as a carving knife. Already contracted by the Stormers while still at school, Ahmed’s rugby IQ and composure have marked him as one of the brightest young playmakers in the country. Now, his recipe for magic moves to a new kitchen. And that is orchestrating Foote’s Junior Boks as they begin their 2026 campaign.
The South Africans depart on Sunday, 15 February, returning on 28 February after three fixtures in Tbilisi, including two internationals against Georgia U20. The tour forms the first building block toward defending their World Rugby U20 crown in June and July, also in Georgia.
Blending steel and spice
Foote’s 31-man group is a balanced blend of hardened steel and fresh spice.
Four members of last year’s Junior World Championship-winning squad return: loosehead props Ollie Reid and Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, and lock Riley Norton, who captained the side to global glory in Italy. Their experience provides ballast in what promises to be a bruising northern-hemisphere examination.
The squad also reflects SA Rugby’s long-term pathway planning, with several players eligible for 2027 selection included, among them Gert Kemp, Ethan Adams, Markus Muller, Zekhethelo Siyaya and Luan Giliomee. The latter adds sevens sparkle to the mix, having debuted for the Blitzboks in Singapore before helping the Springbok Sevens lift the HSBC SVNS Perth title.
Foote was satisfied with the intensive three-week Stellenbosch camp, which featured high-tempo training matches against FNB Varsity Cup sides Maties and UCT.
“We have had a very productive period in Stellenbosch, and I believe the matches against UCT and Maties gave us a clear indication of where we are in terms of technical and tactical preparation,” said Foote.
The Georgian challenge, however, will be a different beast entirely – a forward-driven arm wrestle played in sub-zero temperatures and, potentially, snow.
“Georgia is a challenging place to play, especially with the sub-zero temperatures expected, but this is exactly the kind of test we need to build resilience,” said Foote.
“We are looking for growth in our set-piece dominance and cohesion as we begin our 2026 campaign.
“They are a well-coached team with a lot of experience returning from last year’s international season. We expect very physical encounters, which is exactly what we need for our preparations.”
Beyond the immediate test lies a broader vision.
“We are also building for 2027 by giving new players the opportunity to experience international rugby. This tour is a vital step in that regard.”
Depth tested, competition fierce
Injuries ruled out Vuyo Gwiji (loose forward), Pieter van der Merwe (centre) and Alzeadon Felix (fullback), while flyhalf Vusi Moyo continues rehabilitation in South Africa. All are targeting April and May’s U20 Rugby Championship return.
Speedster Cheswill Jooste remains on Vodacom URC duty with the Vodacom Bulls and is expected to join later in the season.
Foote admitted selection headaches were plentiful:
“The full training group made it very hard to decide on a 31-man travelling party. Players such as AJ Meyer (lock) and Reinhardt Viljoen (fullback) put their hands up for consideration and remain firmly in the mix for future camps leading into the Rugby Championship.”
A new conductor at ten
While the pack braces for a forward trench war, much will hinge on Ahmed’s steady hand at flyhalf. In icy conditions where territory becomes treasure, a tactical kicking game and calm game management are worth their weight in gold.
If the Georgian tour is a furnace, Ahmed appears built for the heat. His boot can pin opponents deep, his pass can slice through defensive lines like a chef’s knife through fillet, and his temperament suggests a maturity beyond his teenage years.
For the Junior Boks, this is more than a February excursion. It is the first whistle in a season-long symphony. And with The Chef calling the shots, South Africa will hope the recipe ends in another world-title feast.
Junior Springbok Squad – Georgia Tour
Props:
Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kai Pratt (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sibabalwe Booi (Toyota Cheetahs), Danie Kruger (DHL Western Province).
Hookers:
Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Fidelity ADT Lions).
Locks:
Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), James Schnetler (Fidelity ADT Lions), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province), JD Hattingh (Fidelity ADT Lions).
Loose Forwards:
Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity ADT Lions), Mumbere “Wasi” Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luke Canon (Fidelity ADT Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL WP), Reuben Kruger (DHL Western Province).
Scrumhalves:
Matthew Fick (Vodacom Bulls), Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls).
Flyhalves:
Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Western Province), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Centres:
Markus Muller (DHL Western Province), Ethan Adams (Fidelity ADT Lions), Christian Vorster (Vodacom Bulls), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Western Province).
Outside Backs:
Dylan Miller (DHL Western Province), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Western Province), Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls).
Fixtures (All in Tbilisi, Georgia)
- Wednesday, 18 February: SA U20 vs Lelo Saracens
- Sunday, 22 February: SA U20 vs Georgia U20
- Friday, 27 February: SA U20 vs Georgia U20
