In the build-up to iQhawe Week, taking place at the Johannesburg Stadium in Gauteng, from 3 – 6 October 2022, the team from KwaZulu-Natal, which consists of players from all over the province, say they are ready to take on their counterparts and showcase their talent for a chance to win scholarships. The ecstatic players had this to say:
Njabulo Mtshali, a learner from Dannhauser Secondary School in Dannhouser in the north of KZN who plays the fullback position, says rugby is important to him because it is teaching him life lessons. “Rugby has taught me you have to fight for what you want. The one thing I love about this game is that it can be played by anyone no matter their weight. Once you are on the field, you need to forget about your problems and play for the team. Taking part in the iQhawe Week tournament means I have to work hard and do the coaches proud, it is a chance for me to represent my family and my neighborhood.”
Minenhle Zuma, a learner from Edendale Technical High School in Edendale who plays the fullback position, says rugby has taught him a lot in life including discipline, determination and hard work. He says it has shaped his personality and has a lot of lessons you can use outside the field. “I believe I can make a living through rugby as I plan to play for The Sharks and represent my country which is my absolute dream. Taking part in the iQhawe Week has always been my biggest wish as it will help me to grow as a rugby player and gain more experience from other players.”
Sphiwokuhle Maruping, a learner from Siyamukela High School in Newcastle, northern KZN, who plays a lock position, says his love for rugby developed when he was 10-years-old, watching Super Rugby on TV. “That was when I said to myself, I want to play rugby and be on TV. Rugby is taking me places and makes me want to be the best I can be, and it would be a dream for me to play professionally. My wish for iQhawe Week is to be with my teammates and hopefully win games.”
Awethu Ndaba, a learner from Mconjwana High School in Mphophomeni who plays the right-wing position, says he was introduced to rugby when he was going to soccer practice. “My neighbor, who was playing rugby, asked me to train with them and I fell in love with the sport. Taking part in the iQhawe Week tournament is important for me as it will give me the skills and an opportunity to scouted. I am proud to be used as an example and to show everyone that there are opportunities in rugby.”
Lwethu Dube, a learner from Welabasha High School in KwaMsane who plays the eightman position, says his love for rugby developed when he was 9-years-old at Umfolozi Primary School. He says rugby is important to him and it is his favorite sport. “This game has taught me to learn from my mistakes and that it brings different races together. I am looking forward to getting more experience at iQhawe Week tournament and see different game plans and meet new people. It means a lot to be one of the chosen players as there were a lot of guys who wanted to be selected.”
Bandile Mncwango, a learner from Empangeni High School in Empangeni who plays the Loosehead prop position, says he was told by his primary school teacher that if he were to join their rugby team, he would be an important player. “He was right, I have been playing for five years now, the sport gives me enjoyment and it would be a dream to play professionally. The game has taught me that you must not be selfish, and that team work makes the dream work. At iQhawe Week, I am looking to play my best and hopefully get scouted. Being chosen means a lot to me as I would be in the company of people who love the sport.”
Sakhile Ndlela, a learner from Umthombo High School in Mpophomeni who plays the hooker position, says his love for rugby started in 2017 when his cousin told him to train with them and he immediately fell in love with the game. “I have been playing rugby for six years and the game is important in achieving my dreams of playing professionally. Rugby has taught me self-discipline and how to be a team player. It is an honour for me to represent The Sharks brand at iQhawe Week and knowing I could get selected for the Grant Khomo team.”
Nqubeko Malembe, a learner at Nhlanhleni Primary School in Howirck who plays the flyhalf position, says he was introduced to rugby by his older brother. He enjoys being on the field of play as he gets to learn about himself. Like everyone else, Nqubeko would also like to play rugby professionally. “It has taught me that you need other people to take the next step in life. I am looking forward to showcasing my talent at iQhawe Week and also learning from other teams.”
Wandile Ngobese, a learner at Njoloba Secondary School in Mpophomeni who plays the tighthead prop position, says he took a chance on the game when he saw a team training when he was coming back from school and asked to join. He says through this sport, he has made friends and got the opportunity to travel to play in different areas. “What I love about rugby is that everyone can play, no matter where you come from, and I am looking forward to participating in iQhawe Week.”
Nduduzo Zuma, a learner from Asibemunye High School in Mpophomeni who plays the lock position, says the sport gives the townships kids the opportunity to change their lives by getting a scholarship. He says rugby has taught him respect, commitment and discipline. Talking about iQhawe Week, he says he wants to work hard for his teammates and be on TV. “Being chosen to be part of the team means a lot to me as my older brother was part of the KZN 2019 team that was unbeaten.”
Luvuyo Madondo, a learner from Nyonithwele High School in Pietermaritzburg who plays the lock position, says his love for rugby came from his cousin who was playing the sport. He says rugby is important to him because it gives him an opportunity to change his life. “The game has taught me you have to prepare to be successful. Being chosen to take part in iQhawe Week tournament is a privilege because it will be my first time playing at such a big and respected tournament.”
Mfundo Mnguni, a learner from Umthombo High School in Mpophomeni who plays the inside centre position, says the sport gives townships kids the opportunity to attend a better school. He says it has also taught him discipline, respect and hard work. Talking about iQhawe Week, Mfundo says being chosen to participate this year means the world to him, as it is his last chance to play in this tournament. “Every day I get on the field is an opportunity to learn.”
Mxolisi Khanyile, a learner from Uthukela High School in Mandeni who plays the scrumhalf position, says his love for the game was influenced by his classmates at primary school who always talked about rugby. “The sport gives me joy and it has taught me respect and discipline. “Taking part in the iQhawe Week tournament means I am being able to represent my township and show what I can do at this level. The tournament is special as I will get experience for next year.”
Lethokuhle Mazibuko, a learner at Tholithemba High School in Bergville who plays the left-wing position, says he was introduced to rugby by the coach at his school. “It is important for me to play because I enjoy training and playing the game that has taught me respect and hard work. Taking part in iQhawe Week is an opportunity to show my talent and maybe get scouted. It is also a proud moment as people at the school can see that there are opportunities.”
Sandile Zulu, a learner at Langazela Secondary School in Nquthu who plays the wing position, says that playing rugby is important for him as he enjoy the togetherness when playing. He says the sport has taught him hard work. “Taking part in the iQhawe Week tournament is a chance to test myself against the best in the country. It is a proud moment as I get to follow the footsteps of my school mates who played for KZN in 2019.”
Sbusiso Hlongwa, a learner at Canaan College in Umlazi who plays the loosehead prop position, says rugby gives him an opportunity to meet new people and it has also taught him that team work is important. Talking about iQhawe Week tournament, he says he is looking forward to playing his best against his counterparts.
Makabongwe Ntuli, a learner at Richem High School in Newcastle who plays the hooker position, says rugby is important to him in terms of achieving his dream of playing professionally. He says the sport has taught him discipline. “At the iQhawe Week tournament, I am looking forward to playing with my brothers as well as showcasing my talent. It is a proud moment to represent my family and school.”
Awonke Dlamini, a learner at Sebenzakusakhanya High School in Glencoe who plays the Flank position, says he plays rugby to enjoy himself and to make others see that rugby is for everyone. Through rugby, I have learnt respect, discipline and humility. I am honoured to be able to represent my “kasi” and for the opportunity to show what I can do. I am thankful to continue on the path of players from schools who have played at the tournament.”
Athandile Gxumisa, a learner at Harding High School in Kokstad who plays the outside centre position, says the sport gives people an opportunity to grow as individuals and as rugby players. “It has taught me dedication, hard work and discipline and being a part of the team that’s taking part in iQhawe Week tournament is a privilege to play for my province.”
Asande Pitout, a learner from Mpophomeni High School in Howick who plays the flank position, says rugby has taken him to places that he would never have been. “This game has taught me that you can always start again, no matter what. I’m looking forward to showcase my talent at iQhawe Week as this is a big opportunity for me and also to represent my school.”
Alwande Nhlapho,a learner from Osizweni High School in Newcastle who plays the eightman position, says rugby has the potential to help him realise his dream of moving to a safe neighborhood. He says the sport has taught him discipline and to be able to communicate with people. “Taking part in the iQhawe Week tournament is a chance to play at the highest level for someone my age. It means I am also a step closer to achieving my goal.”
Nduduzo Madi, a learner from St Lewis High School in Newcastle who plays the tight head prop position, says his love for the sport began when he saw the sport on TV and saw himself playing rugby. “I asked my parents to help me register with a club or at a school that played rugby and they didn’t refuse. Rugby has taught me discipline, teamwork and socialising. Being a part of the KZN team means my hard work is being recognised and I am moving in the right direction in terms of achieving my goals. I am looking forward to getting challenged and learning from this experience.”
Samkelo Ximba, a learner from Asibemunye High School in Howick who plays the scrumhalf position, says his love for rugby began when his neighbour took him to train with his school. He says the sport keeps one away from bad things that can damage one’s future. For Samkelo playing rugby has taught him to work hard and not just rely on his ability. “The opportunity to play at the iQhawe Week tournament means he has given himself a chance to be selected for the Grant Khomo team.”
