In a landmark achievement, Salmaan Moerat has become the first Muslim to captain the Springboks.
The 26-year-old Stormers lock will lead the national rugby team in their inaugural match against Portugal in Bloemfontein tomorrow.
Moerat succeeds Siya Kolisi, who made history in 2018 as the first black African to captain the Springboks.
This news has been warmly received by South Africa’s Muslim community. Moerat’s wife, Haanim, expressed her happiness through several social media posts.
“Historic! All praise to the Most High,”
she remarked in one of her posts.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was confident in his decision to appoint Moerat as captain.
“He captained the SA Schools team, the Junior Springboks as well as Western Province and the Stormers. That speaks volumes about his quality as a player and a captain,”
Erasmus stated.
Educated at Paarl Boys’ High, Moerat has made his hometown proud. The local Muslim community, represented by the Paarl Muslim Jamaa, expressed their joy and support.
“Salmaan will become the first Muslim to captain the Springboks. We would like to congratulate Salmaan and his family for this remarkable achievement. We wish you all the best,”
they said in a statement.
Last year, Moerat made a pilgrimage to Mecca after suffering a severe chest muscle injury while playing for the Stormers.
“It has always been a longing of mine to complete an Umrah during the Holy Month of Ramadaan. And Insha-Allah that will shortly become a reality – all because of this injury,”
he shared on Instagram.
Standing at 2 meters tall and weighing 116kg, Moerat first played for the Springboks in 2022. Unfortunately, his pectoral injury prevented him from participating in last year’s World Cup, but he recently played in the series against Ireland.
Moerat’s latest accolade is a significant milestone for his renowned rugby family from Paarl. During the apartheid era, his father Nazeem played for the non-racial South African Rugby Union (Saru) team.
Numerous members of his extended family have also been recognized for their rugby talents. His uncle Marwaan shared the family’s excitement:
“We are all very excited. He is not the first that became a Springbok. In the family, about 15 of us got our Springbok colours,”
he said.
Moerat’s rugby journey began at the Al Azhar school in Paarl, which his uncle believes deserves recognition:
“Salmaan started as a young boy at the Al Azhar school in Paarl. Al Azhar must get the credit also,”
he noted.
This historic moment marks a proud chapter for South African rugby and highlights the growing diversity and inclusivity within the sport.
