A humble, hardworking young man from Hluhluwe who has captained the Sharks at both junior and senior levels to making his Springbok debut in Bloemfontein this year, Phendulani ‘Phepsi’ Buthelezi made a great name for himself playing for the coastal franchises. 

The Sharks forward attended Durban High School, where he was both the 1st XV captain and Head Boy in his matric year (2017). He came through the ranks at the Sharks with Sanele Nohamba (DHS & Lions) Dylan Richardson (Kearsney & a fellow Sharks teammate) and Ntuthuko Mchunu (Maritzburg College, Springboks and Sharks teammate). 

Buthelezi has established himself as a rising star in South Africa. He made a phenomenal name for himself representing the Sharks from the age of twelve at schoolboy level to captaining the junior Boks. With another season with the Hollywoodbets Sharks, he will be hoping to add to his fortunes of the past season where he won two coveted cups with the coastal team.

Buthelezi was instrumental in helping the Sharks win the EPCR Challenge Cup and he topped off the season by winning the historic Currie Cup. The sky is truly the limit for the talented loose-forward.

As Horsefly (DHS), Phepsi was coached by veteran prop, Ronnie Uys and current Edinburgh attacking coach, Scott Mathie who both played for the Sharks in their respective careers. One of the coaches at DHS, Lyle Matthysen said, “Being one of his coaches at school, it comes as no surprise how he has established himself at The Sharks.” Heroic, humble, and gentlemanly, are three words Lyle uses to describe the DHS Old Boy. 

Buthelezi introduced himself to South Africa in spectacular fashion this year, making a solid debut in front of a sold-out crowd in Bloemfontein against Portugal. “Phepsi has been representing The Sharks since he was 12 years old, it was only a matter of time after DHS that he was going to be selected (for the Boks),” says Matthysen.

Speaking to the media ahead of a fixture against the Scarlets in April this year, Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach, John Plumtree said he believes that Buthelezi could develop into a No.6 role in the mould of Bok captain, Siya Kolisi. 

“I think Phepsi could develop in a pretty good six, in the Kolisi-type mould. He is pretty relentless around the park, so he has a good work rate,” said Plumtree. Now reunited with Kolisi’s return to the Shark Tank, Phepsi will once again have the guidance of the Springbok captain. 

Off the field, the compliments about Buthelezi’s character are abundant. CEO of the DHS Foundation, Andrew Shedlock is well-mannered and humbled. “He has become a role model to all Old Boys, he epitomizes the values, traditions, and heritage of DHS,” said Shedlock. 

A regular spectator at DHS rugby fixtures, coaches at the school cannot help but beam with pride whenever they see him play for The Sharks. Former coach, Matthysen added, “Besides his obvious abilities, the discussion that always comes up (among other coaches) is his character. He embodies what it means to be a DHS learner, a gentleman as well as a ‘Rassie’ Springbok.” 

He is rightfully a hero to countless youths. A testament to his humility and amazing character, Buthelezi has a scholarship fund that is supported by the Jonsson Foundation (Jonsson Workwear). 

The Phepsi Buthelezi fund is a purpose-driven initiative intended to open doors of opportunity for deserving scholars. 

The fund currently supports two boys at Durban High School, Phepsi’s alma mater. 

With current and former coaches praising his ability on the field and his character off the field, Buthelezi has made a lasting impression. 

As the Springboks edge towards a transition period due to some players reaching their twilight, he will be eyeing a permanent position in Rassie’s team. His former coach, Lyle Matthysen not only hopes to see him in the next two Springbok World Cup teams, but he also hopes to see the young man from Hluhluwe captaining the Green & Gold.

Enzokuhle Sabela