Zekhethelo Siyaya
| Full name | Zekhethelo Siyaya | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 20 August 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 90 kg (200 lb; 14 st 2 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Westville (South Africa) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Zekhethelo Siyaya is a South African rugby union player who plays as a fullback or wing for the Sharks. He attended Westville Boys High School and progressed through the Sharks youth system before making his senior debut for the Sharks in 2026 against Ospreys during round 15 of the United Rugby Championship.[1][2][3]
Early life and education
Siyaya was educated at Westville Boys High School in Durban, South Africa. He came through schoolboy rugby in KwaZulu Natal and developed into a notable backline player during his time at the school.[4]
Rugby career
Siyaya represented the Sharks at youth level and played in age-group school competitions. He was selected for the Sharks U16 Grant Khomo Week side in 2023 and later was selected for the South African U18 Schools side in both 2024 and 2025.[5]
Siyaya joined the Sharks pathway and was included in their senior setup in 2026. He made his Sharks debut in April 2026. Siyaya "raised eyebrows" across the United Rugby Championship by "impressing at fullback" during his first two appearances for the Sharks.[6][7] On his fourth URC outing, Siyaya scored his first try for the Sharks, as it was described that "he twinkle-toed his way through Zebre's defenders like a hot knife through butter".[8]
On 13 May 2026, Siyaya was called up to the Springboks squad alignment camp which included 10 uncapped players.[9][10][11]
In June 2026, Siyaya was announced as a starting player in the South Africa 'A' side for their match against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha, starting at wing.[12]
References
- ↑ "Teen sensation Siyaya handed shock Sharks start in Wales trip". kicoff. 16 April 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
- ↑ "Zekhethelo Siyaya: A star is born amidst Sharks' play-off heartbreak in Wales". iol. 20 April 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
- ↑ "Sharks unleash teenage fullback Siyaya in must-win Ospreys clash". The South African. 17 April 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
- ↑ "Sharks blood teenage star". sarugbymag. 16 April 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
- ↑ "Future Star: Zekhethelo Siyaya". sarugbymag. 28 March 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
- ↑ "Pietersen's verdict on Siyaya experiment". rugby365.com. 1 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "JP: Siyaya answered my questions". sarugbymag.co.za. 9 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "Siya signs off with brace of tries for Sharks as next-gen get in on the act against Zebre". News24. 16 May 2026. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
- ↑ "Rassie rewards Embrose, Mahashe with camp call-up". sarugbymag. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "Erasmus names purpose-driven squad for second Bok alignment camp". springboks.rugby. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "Rassie's latest Springbok alignment camp includes 10 uncapped players". News24. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "Exciting teams named for Gqeberha double-header". springboks.rugby. 16 June 2026. Retrieved 18 June 2026.