Blitzboks starlet 'feels like I belong' - Sonwabo Sokoyi after match-changing try in Cape Town final

Dream sporting debuts do not come much better than that of Sonwabo Sokoyi, who was a last-minute addition to the Blitzboks squad for the Cape Town Sevens, ending up with a try in the final against Argentina as the South Africans became back-to-back champions.

Sokoyi, a product of Grey College, joined the squad when Mfundo Ndhlovu withdrew to take up an offer from a United Rugby Championship team.

The 23-year-old scored two tries as a replacement in the match against Great Britain, while his try in the final changed the course of the game. The Blitzboks were struggling at 7-19 early in the second half when Sokoyi got the ball and let his feet do the talking.

“We actually spoke about this try just before the final,” Sokoyi told News24. “Coach Renfred (Dazel, assistant coach) said, ‘Just play with your feet …’

"So I played with my feet, and when I went past the Argentine defenders to score, it felt like déjà vu. We had just been speaking about it half an hour ago, and here it happens!”

The young man was bubbling with elation after a day of high drama. “It is something special. I finally feel like I belong. I got my first cap, my first try, and my first trophy,” he smiled. “It is not everyone who can do that in one week.”

Sokoyi thanked his teammates for the positive vibe in the camp. “This team gives you the confidence to do things. Coach Philip (Snyman) and I are from the same high school. Both of us were in the hostel, so we understand each other a bit.

"When I got my jersey on Friday, he told me I have the freedom to go out and make mistakes. If it doesn’t come off, we will rectify it. And a player like me, if I get the freedom like that, then I will take my chances.

"I am very happy that Coach Philip gave me an opportunity to join the squad. This is a special team.”