Rugby Captain. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to MacKenzie Nel. MacKenzie is the 1st Rugby team Captain of Curro Durbanville High School in Cape Town. He scores the fourth try in our series this year on Rugby Captains from high schools in South Africa and Namibia.
MacKenzie, at what age did you start playing rugby?
- I started playing rugby when I was 6 years old
Why do you like rugby? What made you decide to play rugby?
- I fell in love with the sport when my dad took me to watch my first rugby game at Newlands Stadium. Seeing the passion and love everyone in the stands had for rugby, opened my eyes and that is why I even more wanted to play the sport. The thrill of bouncing someone or making a big hit is a feeling like no other. The sport comes with a lot of learning curves, not only in the physical aspect but also mentally. That has helped me a lot during high school and taught me valuable life lessons which is why I think it’s one of the best sports out there.
How did you feel when you played your first game?
- I was nervous for my first game but throughout it, I realized why I chose to play. I’ve always been a big guy, so when I received the ball as a kid I heard the parents cheer for me like I was Tendai Mtawarira. Hearing that was a great experience and made me want to play even more.
What do you remember about your first game of rugby?
- I remember my first run with the ball. As mentioned, I was the biggest player on the field, so when running there were 3 or 4 boys trying to take me down and I just heard the parents cheering me on.
As rugby captain, what advice would you give to beginners?
- Know that there will always be a brother to back you on the field, no matter what. Play your heart out and always be disciplined regards to going to practice and during the game, mentally and physically. Play for the team and never be afraid to take on someone.
When was the first time you were elected captain? (Not only current).
- This year, 2024, is the first time I was elected captain.
How did you feel when you first jogged onto the field as Rugby Captain?
- I felt exited to finally lead a team. Being captain made me realise I had to take on a responsibility for the team and it made me more disciplined on the field.
How do you keep your team motivated during a game – even when things aren’t going well?
- I tell them to always keep their heads up no matter what and push themselves until the final whistle blows. We can only win with the right attitude.
What inspires you every time you play on the rugby field for a match?
- During the last year or so we haven’t had a good couple of games, and when we end up losing, the other sport codes always have something to say towards our team. So, winning is always on my mind, in order to earn their respect and silence them.
In your career up to now – which game has been the most fun for you? Please elaborate on why this was the most fun match.
- We played against a top school in George on our rugby tour, called Langenhoven. Before this game I felt that we never worked well as a team. This match was probably one of the most physical games we have had, and although we lost it was the first time I felt we finally worked as a team and played our heart out. It was a memorable game.
Which game do you want to forget soon? Your worst game? Why?
- Our interschools game against Curro Langebaan. This game was one where I felt I played my worst. I don’t feel like I contributed anything towards that game and that stuck with me. I could see that the score demotivated our team a lot as well as myself and I genuinely lost hope for the future of our team.
When you have a tough game behind you, who do you seek help/advice from?
- My coach. I don’t really speak to anyone about how I feel before a game, but what constantly runs through my mind is what my coach teaches or says to us at every practice or conversation we had ever since 2022. Whenever he motivates or encourages us I take his words to heart. It has motivated me on and off the field and will always be something I’d think of before a game.
Who is your greatest rugby hero? Why?
- Tendai Mtawarira. When I watched him play before he retired, whether it was for the Springboks or the sharks, I’d hear the crowd shout “Beast” when he received the ball or in a scrum. That showed me that he was a respected and talented rugby player and that is something that motivated me to play like him. He also played the position I play now.
What personal rugby goal/goals would you like to achieve this year?
- My main goal now is to get more fit so I can contribute and get more involved in the game as well as play to my best ability. I’d like to see what I can really do at my full potential. My other goal is scoring more try’s this year, averaging 1 per game at least.
Do you intend to continue playing rugby after school? At what level?
- I’d like to play club rugby after school at semi-pro level.
How do you handle your responsibilities at rugby alongside social and academic responsibilities?
- Rugby, right now, is one of my main focus points after academics, as well as getting fit which works hand in hand. I attend school, practice rugby, then do my personal workouts at home and then carry on with academics. During weekends I work and then after rugby matches I have my social time. It is a lot on my plate right now, especially this year, but I’ve learned to balance it and push through anything this year since its my last.
What has been your biggest single highlight of your rugby career so far?
- I got to experience and play in a rugby first team where we were almost unbeatable. It was when I started rugby again in 2022. Winning a game every week felt amazing and made me enjoy the sport even more. The gees and energy levels was always up and it’s something I’d never forget.
Do you participate in other sports before and after the rugby season? If so, what?
- Rugby is my only sport. During the off season I focus on personal workouts.
Which professional rugby player would you like to have coffee with?
- Eben Etzebeth
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