Lions debutant Batho Hlekani was named Player of the Match after a stunning performance that included the opening try in the win against Lyon on Saturday. The Lions’ gritty EPCR Challenge Cup victory over Lyon at Ellis Park on Saturday was a triumph of the side’s adaptability and depth for coach Ivan van Rooyen, who was left purring over a squad that continues to find solutions under pressure. Coming off an emotionally charged United Rugby Championship derby win over the Sharks, the Johannesburg side were tested again before a ball was even kicked.
Van Rooyen revealed that a bruising week on the injury front forced late changes and threw the Lions’ preparations into disarray, making the eventual win all the more satisfying. The four-match suspension of loose forward Ruan Venter was compounded by injury niggles that ruled out winger Kelly Mpeku and prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye in the week, while flank Sibabalo Qoma got hurt in Saturday’s warm-up. Those setbacks opened the door for unlikely heroes, most notably Junior Springbok loose forward Batho Hlekani, who had been with the squad for just 10 days before being thrust into the starting lineup in the place of Qoma.
Fellow newcomer Sibabalwe Mahashe, who had never previously played for the Lions, was also called onto the bench. Rather than unravel, the Lions leaned on composure, leadership and work ethic – hallmarks that are becoming increasingly evident under Van Rooyen’s guidance and Francke Horn’s leadership on the field. The coach praised the group’s growing ability to adapt to adversity in-game and respond positively to setbacks.
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“It’s actually the proudest feeling that our guys give us solutions, that (they) just work hard,” he said. “Once again, the same as the other day against the Sharks, Francke and the others that stayed on the field came up with solutions. I think that’s where we’ve grown a lot.” Van Rooyen pointed to a clear shift in mentality compared to previous seasons, where setbacks often led to momentum slipping away.
“The feeling was that in the past we slipped and kept slipping, and now we are beginning to quickly come up with more solutions,” coach “Cash” said. Hlekani’s powerful carrying game made an immediate impact, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award on debut. “Everyone knows how good Batho carries,” Van Rooyen said.
“In the short time I’ve worked with him, what really impressed me was that he’s still humble, wants to just work hard and make a difference. It’s nice that he’s a Lion.” Captain Horn echoed those sentiments, highlighting the leadership group’s role in settling the debutants and allowing them to play to their strengths.
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