Dylan Maart's journey from Kimberley to Cape Town: A rugby star's rise

DYLAN Maart’s impact at the Stormers has been immediate and unmistakable, with the 29-year-old winger crossing the tryline four times in just four appearances since arriving in Cape Town.

But for those who know him best, that finishing touch is no surprise.

Griquas captain Cebo Dlamini says Maart’s effectiveness is rooted as much in belief as it is in pace, describing him as the kind of player who thrives when pressure rises.

“He’s a Man of the Match type of player who will step up when the team needs him in big moments,” Dlamini told KickOff. “That’s why we call him CR7. He’s a very confident player, and it’s reassuring to have someone in the team who you know you can count on.”

It takes a particular personality to carry a nickname associated with Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s most famous athletes, but Dlamini insists the moniker fits. That confidence, he says, is what made Maart such a key figure during the Griquas’ historic Currie Cup campaign last year, when the team lifted the trophy for the first time since 1970.

A different route

Maart’s route to the Stormers, however, was far from conventional.

The Wellington-born winger joined the Cape Town franchise on loan as injury cover for Seabelo Senatla, under a development agreement between Stormers Rugby and Griquas Rugby. The same arrangement also saw Sako Makata and Keagan Blanckenberg move in the opposite direction, to Kimberley.

Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson acknowledged that Maart did not come through the traditional junior provincial pipeline, but said his work ethic made him a natural fit.

“His was not the conventional pathway to high-performance rugby, but it is an inspirational story that shows what can be achieved through hard work and dedication,” Dobson said. “He has worked incredibly hard to get here and fully deserves this opportunity.”

Since arriving in Cape Town, Maart has shown that his finishing instincts translate seamlessly from the hard grounds of Kimberley to the brighter lights of the United Rugby Championship. Dobson noted that the winger has a “natural feel for the game” and fits comfortably into the Stormers’ high-tempo style.

For Dlamini and the Griquas, Maart’s success at the Stormers is a source of pride, even if his absence is felt back home. His performances serve as further confirmation that elite talent continues to emerge from the Northern Cape — and that confidence, once forged, travels well.