In the world of professional rugby, few stories are as inspiring as that of Lizo Gqoboka. This South African prop forward’s journey from a rural village to international rugby stardom exemplifies determination, resilience, and the power of never giving up on one’s dreams.
Early Life and Background
Born on March 24, 1990, in the small village of Tabankulu near Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape, Lizo Pumzile Gqoboka’s path to rugby greatness was far from conventional. At 35 years old, he stands as a testament to the fact that success can come at any age with enough dedication.
Growing up in rural South Africa, Gqoboka faced significant challenges that would have deterred many aspiring athletes. His high school in Tabankulu didn’t offer rugby as a sport, so he focused on athletics, where he showed promise by running the 100-meter dash in 11.6 seconds, and soccer. During his high school years, he worked at a funeral home and loaded sand off trucks to support his family, earning just R10 per day.
The Late Start That Changed Everything
What makes Gqoboka’s story truly remarkable is that he didn’t pick up a rugby ball until he was 19 years old. In 2009, he moved to Durban to study human resource management at what little money his parents could scrape together. It was there, upon joining the Durban Collegians Sports Club on a friend’s advice, that he discovered his natural talent for rugby.
Initially playing as a Number Eight and later as a Lock, Gqoboka eventually found his calling at prop forward. His rapid development was extraordinary – within just two years of starting the sport, he had secured his first professional contract with the Eastern Province Kings in 2012.
Career Journey and Teams
Eastern Province Kings (2012-2015)
Gqoboka’s professional career began with the Eastern Province Kings, where he made his debut in the 2012 Vodacom Cup. Despite early setbacks, including being released from the Kings’ Super Rugby training squad in 2013, he persevered and became a crucial player for the team. His breakthrough moment came during a dramatic quarter-final match against the Blue Bulls, where he scored an injury-time try to help secure a stunning 34-31 comeback victory.
The Bulls Era (2016-2023)
In 2016, Gqoboka joined the Pretoria-based Bulls after the Kings’ financial difficulties allowed him to break his contract. This move proved to be career-defining. At the Bulls, he established himself as one of South Africa’s premier loosehead props, accumulating over 100 caps for the franchise and becoming a stalwart of their pack.
Springbok Recognition
Gqoboka’s consistent performances at provincial level didn’t go unnoticed. He was first invited to Springbok training camps in 2014 and was included in South Africa ‘A’ squads. His international breakthrough finally came in 2019 when he earned his first Springbok cap, though he was limited to just two Test appearances before missing out on the Rugby World Cup squad.
Current Team: DHL Stormers (2023-Present)
In September 2023, Gqoboka made the move to Cape Town, joining the DHL Stormers. At 33, he brought considerable experience to the Stormers’ front row, though his time with the team has been hampered by injury concerns, including a long-term Achilles injury that has effectively ended his 2024 season.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Standing at 1.83 meters (6 feet) tall and weighing 121 kilograms, Gqoboka possesses the ideal physical attributes for a modern prop forward. His combination of size, strength, and technical proficiency in the scrum has made him one of South Africa’s most reliable front-row forwards over the past decade.
Known for his work ethic and scrummaging ability, Gqoboka has accumulated impressive statistics throughout his career, including over 150 senior rugby caps and 59 Super Rugby appearances by 2020, scoring 20 points in the process.
The Inspiring Journey
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Gqoboka’s story is the adversity he overcame to reach professional rugby. During his early days in Durban, he faced extreme financial hardship, living in a flat without electricity or money for food. There were nights when he survived on a mixture of flour, sugar, and water.
When his studies ended due to lack of funds and his rugby prospects in Durban seemed bleak, Gqoboka didn’t give up. He spent three weeks calling the EP Kings daily, begging for a trial. When he finally got his chance, he made the most of it, despite training in R70 trainers when his teammates wore expensive branded footwear.
Legacy and Impact
Lizo Gqoboka’s career serves as an inspiration to young players, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. His journey from working at a funeral home for R10 a day to playing for the Springboks demonstrates that with determination and hard work, barriers can be broken.
As he reflected on reaching 100 caps for the Bulls, Gqoboka emphasized his hope that his story would “destroy the barriers in the minds of boys and girls in rural areas that the village where you are born is not your limit, it’s your starting point.”
Conclusion
Lizo Gqoboka’s rugby career is a testament to perseverance, late-blooming talent, and the transformative power of sport. From a 19-year-old who had never played rugby to a Springbok international, his journey continues to inspire. While injuries may have slowed his recent progress, his impact on South African rugby and his role as a symbol of hope for aspiring players from rural communities will endure long after his playing days are over.
At 35, whether this marks the twilight of his playing career or not, Gqoboka has already secured his place as one of rugby’s most inspirational figures – proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and that greatness can emerge from the most unlikely circumstances.
