From farm fields to provincial pride
When you walk into Boland Park in Worcester and hear the rumble of the scrum, there’s one name that always echoes above the rest – Anele Zingitwa. To the supporters, he’s “The Iron of High Noon.” To his people, he’s “Intsimbi yase High Noon” – the man of steel who never backs down.
With broad shoulders, a determined gaze, and a heart as big as his tackle power, Zingitwa needs little introduction in rugby circles. He’s a player who quite literally carries his team on his back – both in spirit and in strength.
From the farm to the field
Born and raised on the High Noon farm near Villiersdorp, Anele first held a rugby ball on dusty ground; no fancy coaching, no privilege, just pure passion and a dream. His natural ability and fierce commitment quickly shone through, and by his matric year in 2008 at Villiersdorp Secondary, he was already the team captain and a standout leader.
From there, his rugby journey took him through Helderstroom and Elandskloof, and later into the South African Defence Force, where in 2012 he was named Captain of the Gauteng Defence Force and selected for the President’s Team.
Those were the years that not only shaped his body but also helped form his character, teaching him the values of discipline, resilience, and loyalty.
Wearing the number 1 jersey as a loosehead prop, Zingitwa is a man who has immense physical strength, but his accurate weapon lies in his spirit. He plays with fire, intensity, and passion, the kind of player who never surrenders. Many an opponent has felt his force in the scrum, yet his teammates know him as a gentle giant.
When his mentor and beloved coach, Aldridge Mercuur, passed away, Zingitwa’s humanity shone through.
“Coach Mercuur believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” he said. “He gave me confidence, and I’ll honour his memory forever.”
Villa – Where he found a home
After several successful seasons at Caledon Rugby Club, where he claimed both Forward of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year in 2016, Anele joined Villa Rugby Club in 2022.
When he arrived, Villa was in the process of rebuilding. But from day one, Zingitwa’s presence made an impact. His work ethic, discipline, and infectious energy reignited the team’s belief.
“At Villa, I feel at home,” he says. “The people welcome you like family. That’s why we give everything on the field — it’s for them, for our community, for that sense of pride.”
In 2024, his dedication was rewarded. He was crowned Villa’s Forward of the Year and selected for the Boland Coach’s Invitational Team — solidifying his reputation as one of the finest front-rowers in the region.
His rugby résumé tells a story of relentless hard work:
- 2007 – Helderstroom B-Team Forward of the Year
- 2012 – Gauteng Defence Force Captain & President’s Team
- 2016 – Caledon RFC Forward of the Year & Players’ Player of the Year
- 2023 – Western Cape Correctional Services Captain
- 2024 – Villa RFC Forward of the Year & Boland Invitational Team
Today, Anele remains an integral part of the Villagers Worcester Rugby Football Club family, not only as a player but as a role model and mentor to younger athletes. He proves daily that trophies don’t measure true greatness, but by the impact you leave on those around you.
Written by Piet Hermanis