A South African primary schoolboy has been compared to an up-and-coming Cheslin Kolbe after a clip of him sidestepping during a friendly rugby game at Craven Week went viral on social media.
Zedan Johnson of Rietkuil Primary School broke the internet with his quick “goose steps” that has reportedly caught the eye of rugby scouts.
‘CHESLIN KOLBE’ YOUNG PLAYER GOES VIRAL AT CRAVEN WEEK
While all eyes were on the pitch during Craven Week’s fierce school rugby battle this week, little Zedan Johnson played his own game amongst his pals behind the posts.
Facing opponents much bigger than him, the Rietkuil Primary learner was filmed zig-zagging with ease and speed to score a try in his makeshift game.
His moves were widely compared to Springbok Cheslin Kolbe, who has been voted the best winger and scrumhalf of his generation.
“Nobody cares about Craven Week, and everyone is going crazy about this kid”, posted TikTok user @brandensauerman.
@brandensauerman The main event of the day😂 © 2025 [@Visua ]. All rights reserved. This video and its content are protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this material is strictly prohibited.Unless the owner gives permission #cravenweek#rugby #schoolboyrugby ♬ original sound – 1xxfootball_
Another – @samedmonds92 – shared another clip of the young player, adding “The next Cheslin Kolbe! No DNA, just RSA!”.
Media personality Siv Ngesi also reposted a clip of the schoolboy, sharing: “Give him a Springbok contract, put a scrum cap on him, and protect him till he is ready!”
@samedmonds92 The biggest game at Craven Week today! The next Cheslin Kolbe 👏🏼 No DNA, just RSA 🥰👏🏼 #fyp #foryoupage #sama28 #southafrica #springboks #viral #trending #explore #tiktok #cravenweek @South African rugby @News24 @skolerugby ♬ original sound – Sam
‘CHESLIN KOLBE IS MY FAVOURITE PLAYER’
Speaking to Stadio Higher Education in a TikTok video, Zedan Johnson revealed his favourite player was…Cheslin Kolbe!
“Because he plays like me – nice!”, he said of his role model.
Zedan added that he wanted to play for the Springboks when he grew up, as “they are the greatest team”.
@stadio_higher_ed We caught up with Zedan Johnson aka Small, the boy who stole the show (and our hearts) at Craven Week with that Kolbe step 🏉💫 Hear what the future star has to say! 🌟 #STADIOHigherEducation #fyp #foryoupage #trending #explore #CravenWeek #sama28 ♬ The Champion – Lux-Inspira
BIG DREAMS FOR THE SMALL PLAYER
Like Zedan Johnson, Cheslin Kolbe also once shared his dreams of playing for the green and gold team.
In an EWN sports feature in 2013, the baby-faced star – then just 20 years old – spoke about his goals as a rising rugby player.
The winger had just signed for the Stormers – a “dream come true” – and, despite his small frame, was hoping to make a significant impact on the pitch.
Western Province coach John Dobson lauded the pint-sized player as “outstanding,” while Stormers coach Allister Coetzee called him a “gifted player.”
Born into a community riddled with crime and drugs, Cheslin Kolbe decided to “take a different path”.
Known for his skill as a “side-stepper” – which he has now honed to perfection – the eager player described his ultimate goal. “My biggest dream is to become a Springbok”, he said with conviction.
He added: “It doesn’t matter about size and weight. It’s all about the heart and mind. You can achieve anything you think you can”.
Last year, Cheslin Kolbe was nominated for the World Player of the Year Award. He also won SA Rugby’s Player of the Year Award.
DO YOU THINK LITTLE ZEDAN JOHNSTON WILL FULFILL HIS GOAL IN BECOMING A SPRINGBOK?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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