Last throw of dice for Bobo

There was little unusual about Gcobani Bobo’s early years. He spent most of his time in the plush Cape suburbs of Rondebosch and graced the halls of the prestigious local school.

A dynamic young flanker, he tore local rivals – Bishops – apart with his unpredictable step and willingness to intimidate physically. Strange then that it was a man with strong links to Bishops that catapulted Bobo’s career to new heights, reports SARugby.com.

Nick Mallet suggested, in the way that only Nick Mallett can, that Bobo should shift from the side of the scrum to the midfield. He was right.

Bobo broke into the South African U/19 side in 1998 and then spent two years playing for the Golden Lions U/21 outfit. His performances in the then Bankfin Currie Cup earned him selection to the SA ‘A’ team in 2001.

When he was elevated to Super Rugby, he was ready. The burly centre scored a hatrick on debut against the Bulls, and looked set for full Springbok colours before a cruel knee-injury at the aptly named House of Pain, put pay to his short-term ambitions.

The Rasta worked hard to regain fitness and, still in with a chance of selection for the 2003 World Cup, dedicated himself to the game. But lightening strikes twice and Bobo tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a warm-up encounter – having been named in Rudolf Straeuli’s squad.

Jake White then realised his potential and tested Bobo on the Vodacom Outgoing Tour in 2004. But Bobo had lost some of his shine. The mental knives had begun to dig away at his enthusiasm and he lacked pace. White’s flirtation with this unlikely hero was over.

To his credit, Bobo endeavoured to give his prodigious talent one final platform. Thrown a lifeline by Rassie Erasmus, Bobo returned to that plush Cape suburb and if the Stormers warm-up encounter is anything to go by, the prodigal son is finally home.

2007
Sharks XV (Absa Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies)
The Sharks (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Div)
South Africa (IRB Sevens Series Scotland)
South Africa (IRB Sevens Series London)
South Africa (IRB Sevens Series Adelaide)
South Africa (IRB Sevens Series Hong Kong)
Wildebeest (Vodacom Cup)
The Sharks (Vodacom Super 14)
South Africa (IRB Sevens Series New Zealand)
South Africa (IRB Sevens Series USA)

2006
The Sharks (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)
Wildebeest (Vodacom Cup)
The Sharks (Vodacom Super 14)

2005
The Sharks (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)
The Sharks (ABSA Currie Cup Qualifying Round)
Sharks (Vodacom Super 12)

2004
South Africa (Vodacom Outgoing Tours)
Lions (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)

2003
South Africa (RWC Warm-ups)
South Africa (Vodacom Tri-Nations)
South Africa (Vodacom Incoming Tours)
Cats (Vodacom Super 12)

2002
Cats (Vodacom Super 12)

2001
South Africa A (SA A tour to Europe)
Lions (Bankfin Currie Cup)
Lions (Vodacom Cup)

2000
Golden Lions U/21 (Bankfin Under 21)

1999
Golden Lions U/21 (Bankfin Under 21)

1998
South Africa U/19 (FIRA U19)