Nelson Mandela University: Madibaz utility back receives accolade at USSA rugby week

Versatile Gqeberha rugby player Kyle Cyster was named player of the tournament in Division A at the recent University Sport South Africa week but acknowledged the role of his teammates in earning that accolade.

The 22-year-old, who can play fullback or wing, was one of the key members of the Nelson Mandela University outfit in Pretoria, where they defeated the University of the Western Cape, but lost to Wits and Free State Shimlas.

Playing on the wing, the Madibaz star scored four tries in those three matches, including a hat-trick in the opening game against Wits, and said he was pleased with his form.

“It was really very special for me because I had an injury earlier this year and wasn’t sure if I would be able to show the same form that I did in the Varsity Cup,” said Cyster, who is busy with an advanced diploma in business studies.

Cyster, who also scored a hat-trick in the Varsity Cup in March when they beat Central University of Technology, felt that the Madibaz players had improved as a team this season.

The utility back, from Strand in the Western Cape, said his best memories of rugby had come with Madibaz, because he only started playing the sport in Grade 8 when he went to Hottentots-Holland High School.

Cyster, who has played for the EP U20 team, said another source of inspiration was making his parents happy.

“I love it when I can make them proud and put a smile on their faces when I do perform well,” he said. “So that’s all the motivation I need to play my best.”

His main focus now is to try to help Madibaz excel in the EP Grand Challenge competition, while his long-term aims are to give back to society.