Promising Sharks junior loose forward Siseko Jafta, who played for South Africa at under 18 level, has been forced to retire prematurely from the game as the result of a spinal condition.
The likeable Jaftz, who was one of the stand-outs in last year’s Sharks under 21 side, in only his first year out of school, appeared to have a bright rugby future ahead of him, with an SA Under 20 spot and perhaps even the Sharks XV captaincy well within his reach in 2012. As the result of a number of concerning symptoms picked up over the last year, though, Siseko has spent far more of the first quarter of this year seeing specialists than he has playing rugby.
The prognosis for the young man is, unfortunately, not good – as the result of a condition that he’s had since birth, Jafta would face an unacceptably high risk of paralysis were he to continue playing rugby. He’s been lucky so far, it seems, in that he’s never yet taken a serious enough knock to put him in danger of this awful consequence; the advice from specialists in both Durban and Cape Town, though, is that he should cease taking contact immediately in order to safeguard his future health.
The Sharks have agreed to honour the remainder of Siseko’s junior contract and while focusing on his studies, he will assist the team behind the scenes, by helping out as a gym and fitness trainer at the Sharks Academy. We’re obviously very disappointed for Siseko, but know that he has made the right decision and wish him all the best for a long and happy life ahead.
Jaftz – I trust you know that your friends and admirers here at Sharksworld will always be around should you ever need us for anything, mate!
Tweet
All the best Jaftz!
Must have been one of the most difficult decisions to make..
Awful thing to happen. All the best Siseko – trust me, life is bigger than rugby.
Take that same attitude to other areas of life, and you will be happy and successful there too.
Damn, I was just thinking about him, reading some tweets. Strongs Jaftz! I just know u will be succesful in any path you take!
@Ice (Comment 3) : We know he’s read this… cos he just RT’ed the link
Very sad to hear, but value your health above most other things.
Hope the Sharks take good care of you.
@robdylan (Comment 4) : Hi Rob. How about contacting him and telling him to see Stephanus Du Toit at Enthabeni in Durban.
I had a spinal fusion when I was 14 and his skill allowed me to carry on playing for a long time.
Sad news indeed for such a young player. All the best Siseko in your future outside of rugby.
Very sad news but as mentioned ones health and well being take priority over the game we love. Hopefully he can still make a career for himself behind the scenes
Shit thats terrible news.
Quality player.
All the best Siseko.
@ChrisS (Comment 6) :Some conditions they can fix some they can’t, had to stop playing rugby when I was 15
sad news, to retire from rugby so early with such a bright future, all the best for the future.
Happened to Lisle Clark,2006 headboy and QC 1st XV captain,he captained WP u19 side to the title in 2007,but also injured his spine while playing for Maties in the varsity cup final in 2008,while he was also part of the u20 squad and being tipped to captain the side,he was a hooker,but he’s lost a lot of weight now cause he can’t do any heavy gym. He’s done well,recently got his honours in Accounting at Maties. All the best to Jaftz,hope he takes a leaf out of Lisle’s book and further his studies
Rock on Jaftz! You can’t keep a good man down!
All the best to Siseko with his future endevours. Wishing you great recovery and health 😉
@User (Comment 13) : about a year and 6 months late, but I’m sure Jafta will appreciate it