More than a game: How rugby, education, and purpose shaped Ikeys captain

The Ou Kaapse Weg drive over the Steenberg mountains offers a breathtaking glimpse of the Cape Peninsula where rugged, shrub-covered slopes, shimmering seas, and hillside mansions come together in a picture-perfect panorama. It’s where mountains, sea, and sky meet in quiet harmony.

Nestled in this landscape, however, lies a stark contrast: the impoverished community of Masiphumelele. Small homes crowd together, often plagued by societal ills, such as crime and few opportunities. For many young people growing up there, the future can feel like a dead end.

Not so long ago, Siphumezo Dyonase, the captain of the 2025 Varsity Cup champions, the Ikey Tigers of the University of Cape Town (UCT), was among them. “I never thought of coming to study at UCT, never mind playing for the Ikeys and being the captain of the team. To me this is a dream come true.”

With a degree in hand and now pursuing his postgraduate studies in sport management, Sipho, as he is affectionately known, is living proof that where you come from doesn’t determine where you can go if you’re willing to make the right decisions.

“Surround yourself with the right people”

“I think the most important thing to say to any young person – whether you’re in Masiphumelele or growing up in a township feeling stuck – is this: surround yourself with people who affirm you, challenge you, and help you believe that a better tomorrow is possible,” Dyonase said.

“Sometimes being in a difficult environment can make you feel stuck, like there’s no way out. I know that feeling, but I’m living proof that things can change. It starts with you. Apply yourself, and seek out role models who will inspire you, push you, and help you see beyond your current circumstances. Believe that better days are coming, and don’t be afraid to dream big. Your path doesn’t have to be limited to rugby. It could be in academics or any other field you’re passionate about. Whatever it is, it’s possible.”

The 23-year-old sadly lost his mom at the age of 15 and was raised by his mom’s employers. He told Varsity Cup last year that he never thought he would be a rugby player until one incident.

“My mom was late to fetch me from school one day and I thought let me just see what these people are about while waiting for her. One thing I first saw from the rugby players at school was that they were so connected, and I wanted to join something bigger than myself. I wanted to be part of a movement with different people; people of different races, a unification sport, where we will have one goal.”

The power of connection

That spirit of unity continues to define his approach to the game. And it played a key role for the Ikeys to win the Varsity Cup for the first time in 11 years after finishing as runner’s up in two consecutive years.

“This year, we focused on three core values: being competitive, having candid conversations and, most importantly, being connected. That connection matters both off and on the field. It builds strong relationships and a sense of brotherhood, so when pressure hits during a game, we can look at the guy next to us and feel at ease. We’ve suffered and grown together, and that bond gives us the confidence to face any challenge.

“We often say, ‘The antidote to pressure is connection.’ Whether we’re playing away, facing a tough crowd, or dealing with tough calls, we stay grounded by staying connected. That’s our way of solving problems and pushing through. For many of us, this was our last game, so we knew we had to be more connected than ever. With most of the crowd backing the other side, we relied on our 23 teammates. And that unity is what carried us through.”

The Ikeys’ season was not smooth. They did not win all the matches and their opening match at home on the Green Mile on 17 March was postponed after protesting students stormed the field.

“In that moment, I realised there was a much bigger issue at hand that needed to be addressed. I had mixed emotions. It was supposed to be my first game as captain, our first game on TV (this season), so it was a big moment for me. Some people might say the protest ruined it, but I came to understand they were standing up for what they believed was right.”

Despite the hurdles, the Ikeys pushed forward, game by game, giving everything they had.

Dyonase attended Wynberg Boys’ High School, just a few kilometres down the road from UCT. While many peers found their way to the university, for him, it was more than just proximity.

“I understood that rugby only lasts for a certain number of years in your life. You need a solid education. Knowing how prestigious UCT is, I always knew that academics had to come first. That’s why we say we’re student-athletes – the ‘student’ part always comes first.

“Coming here gave me the chance to thrive socially, academically, and on the sports field. It wasn’t a hard decision. And looking back, it’s paid off. I’ve been able to compete at the highest level of varsity rugby, win the Varsity Cup, and earn a degree. It’s a dream come true. A full-circle moment. I’m incredibly grateful to be blessed in this way.

“I’ve realised that who you become in life is far more important than what you acquire. Yes, we've won the Varsity Cup, we’ve played in finals, and there’ve been great rugby achievements along the way. But what truly matters to me is the person I’ve become on this journey.

“I’ve grown more caring. I’ve become more self-aware. I’m a better teammate and a better individual because of the people I’ve shared this journey with. If I could change anything, I’d probably just work a bit harder in my first few years.”

While winning the Varsity Cup is a major achievement for Dyonase’s rugby journey, it’s not the end. “I still have big dreams of becoming a professional rugby player. I know that rugby won’t last forever. Maybe I’ve got 10 years left in me, hopefully injury-free. And when that chapter ends, I’ll hang up the boots and step into the working world. I’ve prepared myself for that, too.”