Lukhanyo Vokozela Explained

Lukhanyo "Boepa" Vokozela is a South African rugby union player for the in the Currie Cup.^{[1] [2]} His regular position is hooker.

Vokozela was named in the side for the 2022 Currie Cup Premier Division.^[3] He made his Currie Cup debut for the Western Province against the in Round 6 of the 2022 Currie Cup Premier Division.^[4]

Early life and background

Lukhanyo Vokozela, commonly known as "Boepa," hails from Khayelitsha, a so-called "non-traditional rugby area^[5] " in South Africa. Despite the enduring inequalities and numerous challenges prevalent in the country, Vokozela's talent and determination set him apart. He was part of the initial intake of the Connect Academy,^[6] an organization dedicated to nurturing and developing talent in underrepresented communities of Cape Town. Vokozela displayed remarkable potential from an early age, joining the academy at under 13. His physicality and speed, along with his strong personality, caught the attention of the academy's founder, Murray Ingram.^[7]

Rugby career

Vokozela's rugby journey is marked by significant milestones that reflect his growing prowess in the sport. He made his debut for Western Province^[8] against the Cheetahs in the 2022 Currie Cup Premier Division, a testament to his hard work and dedication. Prior to this, he had attended Rondebosch Boys High School in Cape Town and played for Western Province at age-group levels. Vokozela also participated in the SARU Under 18 Elite Player Development Camp^[9] and was selected for the SA Schools A side, playing against international teams like Wales and Argentina in 2019. He was a key player in the Western Province side that won the Craven Week, beating the Bulls in Bloemfontein.

Notes and References

1. News: Lukhanyo Vokozela selected for SARU Elite Development Camp . Connect Sport Academy . 16 March 2022.
2. News: Lumla Nunu & Lukhanyo Vokozela to play for WP Rugby . Rondebosch Boys' High School . 16 March 2022.
3. Web site: Western Province squad . SA Rugby . 14 January 2022.
4. News: Cheetahs' second-half surge too much for WP. SA Rugby Magazine. 16 March 2022. 16 March 2022.
5. Web site: Provincial Rugby Unions on challenges, governance and transformation in provincial unions . Parliamentary Monitoring Group.
6. Web site: Connect Performance: Who We Are . Connect.
7. News: Del Carme . Liam . 18 March 2022 . Vokozela's debut confirms Connect Academy is on the right track . Sunday Times .
8. Web site: 15 March 2022 . Leyds returns as WP aim to rebound in Bloem . SA Rugby Magazine.
9. Web site: February 13, 2020 . SA Rugby to host U18 Elite Player Development camp . SA Rugby Official.