CAPE TOWN - Stop Hacjivah Dayimani. That is what Western Province flanker Kobus van Dyk believes they are going to have to do when they face the Golden Lions in a Currie Cup clash at Ellis Park on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
The exciting loose forward has been a standout performer in the competition this season, and his potent blend of handling skills, stepping and pace makes him a real problem, especially in an open game. That is why Van Dyk believes WP should limit the 20-year-old’s space when they meet the log-topping Lions this weekend.
“This weekend we have to keep an eye on Dayimani because he likes to run in the wider channels,” Van Dyk said. “If we can make some big hits early in the game and take his space away then he won’t carry as much.”
While Van Dyk isn’t about being “flashy” - he’s more of a strong runner and more direct back-rower - the 24-year-old highlighted the importance of balancing the loose trio. Loose forwards aren’t something Province lack. Not at all. And they have a lot of variety in the types of loose forwards as well.
They have Siya Kolisi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe, the Van Dyk and Cobus Wiese, and then there’s someone like Juarno Augustus - a player Van Dyk says is crucial when it comes to providing forward momentum. “You need different types of loosies in rugby,” Van Dyk said. “In our set up Trokkie (No 8 Juarno Augustus) gives us a lot of go-forward and I try to complement that.”
What’s in a name - Hacjivah Daymani
Hacjivah Dayimani’s first name is a combination of two names. His father, who is Jewish, wanted to give him a Hebrew name (Akiva), while his mother, a Sangoma, wanted to name him Mpumelelo (which roughly translates to achiever). They decided on Hacjivah because it included Akiva and sounds like “achiever”.
The Players' Player of the Month for August is @Hacjivah from the @LionsRugbyCo.🔥🦁 Congratulations Hacjivah & thanks to all the players who voted!🏉 #MyPlayers pic.twitter.com/Ccxutce9OB
— MyPlayers (@MyPlayersRugby) September 11, 2018
Student matters Kobus van Dyk
In 2016, Kobus van Dyk was the only full-time Maties student to play for the senior Western Province team while he was a final-year BScAgric student, majoring in Agricultural Economics and Agronomy.