Small-town-raised Bukho Pantsi is a six-foot-plus rugby gem and is about to light up the field for the Madibaz at the upcoming Varsity Shield competition!
Eastern Cape, South Africa (13 February 2025) – Nineteen-year-old Bukho Pantsi is making waves in the rugby world, earning the title of “diamond in the rough” as a new recruit for the Madibaz rugby team.
The former Woodridge College standout is set to ignite the Varsity Shield competition with his impressive skills and athleticism.
Standing over six feet tall, this versatile back can seamlessly transition between outside centre and fullback. His blistering speed and imposing stature make him a force to be reckoned with on both attack and defence.
Pantsi was born in Qonce (King William’s Town) but grew up on the Garden Route, where he attended Knysna Primary.
In Grade 6, he walked through the doors of Woodridge College as a registered learner and boarder. It was there where his journey as a promising sports player shone through, representing the school in a range of sports, including rugby and hockey in winter.
“I guess I stood out [in sport] with Woodridge not having that many learners. But we punched above our weight,” the young sports player said.
He admitted that it would be a very different story now as players are much bigger than those he was used to facing on the pitch.
Madibaz Coach David Manuel, who describes him as a “diamond in the rough”, selected him based on his immense potential.
Glimpses of this were already seen when he debuted for Madibaz Rugby Club in last season’s Grand Challenge Cup competition.
Pantsi, who will pursue a national diploma in public management at the institution, took a gap year after matriculating in 2023.
“I’ve progressively made it into the [Madibaz] system and now it’s my first year as a student here,” Pantsi said.
“Coach D (Manuel) has given me the freedom to express myself, but within my role. He has given me the skillset to attack the gaps and score as many tries as possible.”
This is just the way he likes it, too, being one who thrives on putting his side on the front foot.
Phansi thrives on being a game-changer and putting his team on the front foot. While acknowledging the pre-game jitters ahead of their opening clash against Varsity College on Valentine’s Day in Durban, he is eager to take the field. He embraces the challenge of playing against older opponents in the demanding KZN conditions.
Acclimatising to the Madibaz rugby culture has not been difficult for him as the team’s leadership group have been very accommodating in terms of helping the newbies understand the system.
Pantsi said making it to the professional ranks one day was the goal. But first there is the small matter of tackling the rather huge Varsity Shield competition!
Sources: Supplied
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