A tug-of-war is brewing between the Sharks and the Lions over the services of world champion Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani, with the Durban franchise intent on keeping their prized loose forward under contract until the end of the year.
The 20-year-old Hlekani, who was a standout performer for the Junior Boks at the recent World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy, has been the subject of significant interest following his impressive displays.
The hard-running forward played a pivotal role in South Africa’s first World Championship win since 2012 and has since earned an invite to the senior Springbok squad for a two-week training camp in Johannesburg.
Lions’ Bid for Hlekani
The Lions have made a push to bring Hlekani into their squad sooner rather than later, a move prompted by the season-ending injury of flanker Izan Esterhuizen.
Despite Hlekani’s recent signing with the Lions, which saw a reversal of the trend of players moving from the Lions to the Sharks, the latter are determined to keep him for the remainder of his contract.
Hlekani, who hails from Zwide in the Eastern Cape (the same township as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi), was a key player in the Sharks’ Currie Cup triumph last season.
His stellar performances earned him a place in the Sharks’ squad for the current Currie Cup season, making him an important asset as the team continues to challenge for silverware.
Sharks Stand Firm on Contract
Sharks Chief Operating Officer Novashni Chetty issued a clear statement on Thursday regarding Hlekani’s contract situation, confirming the player is contracted to the franchise until 31 December.
“Batho is contracted to us until 31 December 2025,” Chetty said, signaling that the Sharks are not willing to release the talented flanker before his contract expires.
Despite the Lions’ urgency to secure Hlekani, the Sharks remain resolute in keeping him, at least for the remainder of the Currie Cup season.
The Lions, seeking to boost their squad with youthful talent, have already made moves to strengthen their ranks with several Junior Boks and up-and-coming players, including Haashim Pead, Ethan Adams, and Sherwin Buys, among others.
The Junior Boks’ Impact
Hlekani’s role in the Junior Boks’ World Championship victory was pivotal, especially as he captained the team in their final Pool A match against Scotland.
The Sharks have confirmed that Hlekani will not be available for their upcoming Currie Cup fixture (against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld) as he continues with the Springboks’ commitments.
Sharks coach JP Pietersen, speaking after his team’s heavy 46-5 loss to the Lions in their first-round Currie Cup clash, acknowledged Hlekani’s absence.
“Batho won’t be available… he will be in the Springbok set-up,” Pietersen said, indicating that the Junior Bok star is likely to join the senior squad once his U20 commitments conclude.
Lions’ Continued Pursuit
The Lions, meanwhile, remain eager to bring Hlekani into their fold as soon as possible.
Lions coach Mzwakhe Nkosi has expressed the hope of securing Hlekani’s services following his Springbok duties.
“We are trying to get Batho to join ASAP, hopefully after his Springbok commitments,” Nkosi said, emphasising the Lions’ need to bolster their squad following Esterhuizen’s injury.
With both teams now eyeing the talented flanker, it’s clear that a battle over Hlekani’s future is far from over.
The Sharks are committed to honoring their contract with the player, but the Lions are determined to fast-track the acquisition of the Junior Bok star, adding further intrigue to the ongoing Currie Cup competition.
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