Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

Former Springbok prop Lawrence "Kabila" Sephaka is set to return to the Lions next month.

In an interview with Sowetan yesterday, Lions coach Eugene Eloff confirmed that they are interested in signing Sephaka, who spent a year in France last year.

"I want him [Sephaka] badly in order to reinforce the team. I have known him as a hard-working and quality player for years before joining the Springboks.

"We had a chat with him this week and he was keen to come back home. But we will finalise everything on Monday [June 30]," said an excited Eloff.

If the negotiations go well, Sephaka will start training with the squad on Monday and could make his debut in the Currie Cup game against neighbours the Falcons on home soil next Friday.

The acquisition of Sephaka will definitely add impetus to the Doornfontein team who intend to make up for their disappointing performance in the Super 14.

Meanwhile, Lions captain Cobus Grobbelaar has urged their juniors to try and keep the flag flying high when the winter rugby festivals start in earnest on Sunday with the Academy Week in Paarl for the Under-18s.

The Grant Khomo Week for Under-16s also starts on Sunday, while the Under-13 Craven Week start on Monday in Paarl .

Fullback Innocent Radebe, a Grade 7 pupil at Milleneum Primary School in Krugersdorp, was chosen as the captain of the Under-13s.

"I feel good and honoured to lead the team in this exciting tournament.

Wynaand Moolman, manager of amateur rugby, said: "We have assembled the strongest possible squads to represent us in the coming tournaments."