IC11 Squad - South African Lions\' list
- Thursday, July 28 2011 @ 10:00 pm ACST
- Contributed by: Brett Northey
- Views: 5,600
The South African Lions are attending the International Cup once again, making them one of just eight nations to make it to all four Cups.
Looking across the list, as per past tournaments, lack of height seems to be a factor that may hurt them when it gets down to the top few teams (except PNG). Their tallest players are Zola Mtiwetafa and Malibongwe Mlami, both 190 cm (nearly 6'3") and the average is 177 cm (5'10"). At least in the case of Zola at 102 kg there would appear to be a solid body.
The average age is a relatively young 23 but there's some very experienced international campaigners as well, such as the Steven Malinga, Benjamin Motuba and the surprise return of Mtutuzeli Hlomela.
Coached by Stewart Edge, who has spent considerable time in South Africa as a high performance coach, the Lions can be expected to challenge for a top four spot once again. 2008 saw a massive rise from 8th to 3rd - will the rise continue? Maybe, but the final couple of steps may be the hardest.
2011 AFL International Cup - South Africa Lions squad
Coach: Stewart Edge
Assistant: Wayne Miller
No. | Name | Club | D.O.B. | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mlungisi Manyoni | Kwa Zulu Natal Eagles | 19/08/1986 | 169 | 64 |
2 | Matshane Steven | North West Dockers | 2/04/1988 | 180 | 64 |
3 | Abueng Senyadio | North West Dockers | 26/11/1990 | 175 | 65 |
5 | Karabo Marokoane | North West Dockers | 23/12/1991 | 178 | 59 |
6 | Andre Swanepoel | North West Dockers | 4/10/1987 | 170 | 72 |
7 | Zolani Nyiki | Western Cape Magpies | 24/03/1991 | 178 | 70 |
8 | Asanda Funda | Western Cape Magpies | 10/04/1989 | 172 | 76 |
9 | Steven Malinga | Gauteng Blues | 7/05/1982 | 176 | 65 |
10 | Godfrey Molohlanyi | North West Dockers | 26/06/1989 | 179 | 74 |
11 | Simphiwe Mbalo | Western Cape Magpies | 10/04/1989 | 177 | 72 |
12 | Mtutuzeli Hlomela | Gauteng Blues | 4/10/1980 | 169 | 78 |
13 | Lungisani Mtolo | Kwa Zulu Natal Eagles | 27/09/1984 | 173 | 65 |
14 | Tshepiso Mogapi | Gauteng Blues | 28/02/1991 | 178 | 66 |
15 | Kagisho Gaonose | North West Dockers | 4/09/1986 | 171 | 66 |
16 | Benjamin Motuba | Gauteng Blues | 12/05/1984 | 167 | 71 |
17 | Khaya Sikiti | Western Cape Magpies | 6/04/1985 | 178 | 72 |
18 | Obakeng Poni | North West Dockers | 4/06/1989 | 178 | 62 |
19 | Boitumelo Thiboeng | North West Dockers | 22/02/1991 | 164 | 64 |
20 | Tshoboko Moagi | Gauteng Blues | 12/08/1990 | 177 | 72 |
22 | Thando Dlamini | Gauteng Blues | 10/01/1992 | 162 | 68 |
23 | Bayanda Sobetwa | Western Cape Magpies | 13/03/1990 | 183 | 87 |
24 | Anele Magqwaka | Western Cape Magpies | 11/07/1984 | 176 | 83 |
25 | Athenkosi Madikane | Western Cape Magpies | 28/12/1988 | 176 | 64 |
26 | Thembinkosi Zwane | Kwa Zulu Natal Eagles | 27/08/1989 | 184 | 70 |
27 | Lwazi Jawe | Gauteng Blues | 24/08/1987 | 187 | 83 |
28 | Malibongwe Mlami | Western Cape Magpies | 5/01/1988 | 190 | 85 |
29 | Willem Jonker | North West Dockers | 4/01/1985 | 187 | 92 |
30 | Zola Mtiwetafa | Western Cape Magpies | 14/10/1987 | 190 | 102 |