Supabets Signs Lions Forward Batho Hlekani as Brand Ambassador
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Supabets has signed Lions forward Batho Hlekani as a brand ambassador. The 20-year-old flanker and lock joins Springbok duo Malcolm Marx and Kwagga Smith in the operator's growing rugby stable.
Who is Batho Hlekani?
Bathobele Hlekani was born on 5 April 2005 in Zwide, a township in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), the same community that produced Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. He attended Ndzondelelo High School before moving to Graeme College in the Eastern Cape, where his rugby career took off.
Hlekani came through the Sharks academy system and represented their U21 side before making his Currie Cup debut in 2024. He featured prominently in South Africa's 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship campaign, playing across the back row and at lock. At 6'4 and 115kg, he's built like a seasoned Test forward despite only turning 20 this April.
A dream start at the Lions
Hlekani officially joined the Lions on 1 January 2026. He didn't have to wait long for his debut. Head coach Ivan van Rooyen named him on the bench for the EPCR Challenge Cup match against Lyon at Ellis Park on 10 January, and when he came on, the impact was immediate.
He scored in the seventh minute of his time on the field, helped power the Lions to a 42-33 victory, and walked away with the Player of the Match award on debut. The following week he earned his first start against Perpignan in France, confirming that his introduction against Lyon was no fluke.
Since then, Hlekani has become a regular in the Lions matchday squad and has reportedly been called up to a Springbok training camp, underlining how quickly he has risen through the ranks.
Supabets' rugby strategy
The signing follows a pattern. Supabets announced Malcolm Marx and Kwagga Smith as brand ambassadors in November 2024. Marx, a hooker who plays for the Lions and the Springboks, was named SA Rugby Men's Player of the Year for his performances in 2025. Smith, a versatile loose forward, has been a Springbok regular for several years.
Adding Hlekani gives Supabets a younger face alongside two established internationals. It's a bet on potential as much as profile. If Hlekani's trajectory continues, he'll likely be in Springbok contention well before the next World Cup cycle, and Supabets will have been there early.
The bigger picture
South African bookmakers have increasingly turned to rugby partnerships for brand visibility. Hollywoodbets has long been associated with the Sharks, while other operators have linked up with individual players or provincial unions. Supabets' approach of building a roster of ambassadors rather than sponsoring a single team gives them exposure across multiple franchises and competitions.
For Hlekani, the deal is another sign that his stock is rising fast. From Zwide to the Lions starting XV to a national brand deal, all before his 21st birthday. You can read our full Supabets review for more on what the operator offers.