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Beefy Hlekani can fill big hole for Lions after injury loss
The Star
|July 28, 2025
THE Lions' handsome 46-5 Currie Cup victory over the Sharks came at a cost, with flank Izan Esterhuizen suffering a serious injury.
However, this setback could be offset by the timely arrival of burly Bathobele Hlekani, a Junior Springbok who made a huge impact in Italy.
Hlekani has been with the Sharks but, curiously, has slipped out of their net. His signature is a significant coup for a Lions squad that usually sees players going the other way - to Durban, as has been the recent case with Springbok Edwill van der Merwe and Emmanuel Tshituka.
Hlekani was one of three players from the victorious Junior Bok side at the World U20 Championship to be invited to train with the Springboks.
Lions coach Mzwakhe Nkosi said they would like Hlekani to join them pronto.
"Izan's injury looks like a season-ender," Nkosi said.
This story is from the July 28, 2025 edition of The Star.
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