The Ones Who Arrived

BATHOBELE HLEKANI, LOCK AND FLANKER. Arrived from the Sharks and made his Lions debut on 10 January 2026. He won player of the match in that first appearance. Twenty-one years old, 193cm, 115kg, with two South Africa U18 caps, sixteen at U20 and a South Africa A cap in 2026. On current evidence he is already further through the national age-grade system than anyone else in this squad.

SIBA MAHASHE. Scored the opening try in the Round 12 win over the Stormers that secured the South African Shield — inside the first quarter, in the biggest home fixture of the season. A player is defined by what he does when the match matters, and Mahashe's contribution came in the one that decided a trophy.

HENCO VAN WYK, CENTRE. The second try in that same twenty-minute burst, and a season that confirmed him as one of the most complete centres in the competition. Twelve tries and sixty points across his career to date, a South Africa A call-up, and the attacking edge in a midfield that had previously relied on defensive solidity alone.

RUAN VENTER, LOCK AND BACK ROW. Four URC appearances in 2025/26 and four starts — the coaching staff did not ease him in. A try in that run, a further try in the Challenge Cup, and the physical profile of a long-term second row. He has already been recognised at international level.

LIKHONA FINCA, CENTRE. Twenty-one, South Africa U20, and a player whose carrying numbers stand out even in a small sample. His defensive game is behind his attacking game and the coaching staff will know it. The attacking instinct is visible; the defensive game is the next requirement.

WHAT LINKS THEM. Five of the six are twenty-five or under. Four have come through South African age-grade international rugby in the last three years. The Shield was not won by a side leaning on its senior players; it was won by a squad in which responsibility moved outwards. That is why this season looks like a platform rather than a peak.