There is lots of excitement in the air ahead of the Springboks test match against Portugal this weekend. This comes after the team boasts plenty of new and exciting players who will all be looking to showcase their skills in the absence of the more experienced senior members of the team.
The Springbok coach and recent honourary doctorate recipient, Rassie Erasmus named his new-look team for the upcoming game this week, with one player, the Stormers lock Salmaan Moerat, looking to make history by becoming the first-ever player of the Muslim faith being selected to lead a young Springbok boasting X-factor.
With the English translation of his Arabic-inspired name meaning “safe” and “secure” Rassie has put his confidence in the 26-year-old given his long history in the South African rugby system where he captained SA schools, the Junior Springboks as well as currently leading the Cape Town based team, the DHL Stormers.
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“Salmaan commands respect from his teammates. We’d like to congratulate him on this achievement. We do not doubt that he’ll take on this responsibility as successfully as has been the case with the other teams he has led,” said coach Rassie.
Supersport reports that Salmaan is the 11th Springbok to come from his family, but the first in the modern era of the game.
Speaking about what the opportunity means to him Salmaan said that it is an unbelievable privilege.
“It means a lot to my family. My father, my uncles, they all played representative rugby and for me to be the first in the professional era, is a massive privilege and an honour. For me to carry that legacy is an honour and hopefully something that I can make them really proud of.”
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Meanwhile, there is no one prouder than the Muslim community of Paarl where the 2m lock spent most of his early childhood years.
In a statement, the Paarl Muslim Jumaa wrote: “We would like to congratulate Salmaan and his family for this remarkable achievement. We wish you all the best.”
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In addition to this, his wife Haanim, who is also a qualified physiotherapist shared multiple posts on her story. In one post she wrote: “Historic! All praise to the Most High.
Also see: Edwill, Jordan, and Sacha – get to know the Springboks newest debutants | Bona Magazine
