schoolsthatrockRugby Captain. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Nhlanhlenhle Mtshali. Nhlanhlenhle is the 1st team Rugby Captain of St Dominics Newcastle, Curro Select School, KwaZulu Natal. He scores the eighth try in our series this year on Rugby Captains from high schools in South Africa and Namibia.
“When I was 12 years old, I decided to start playing rugby. I grew up in a township which had a soccer-based culture. I was fortunate enough to attend a school in the urban areas that had more opportunities to explore and express different talents. My best friend kind of pressured me into playing rugby because that’s what all the cool guys at school did. I lost him in 2020 and I’ve been playing to honour him ever since. I felt terrified when I played my first game. The pros definitely made it seem much easier than what it actually was. The only thing I can remember about my first game, is that received a very welcoming handoff.
My advice to beginners is that the sky is the limit. You’re the judge of your own success because this is your story to write. Setbacks are part of the process, just keep getting up.
First time elected as Rugby Captain
The first time I was elected as rugby captain, was back in 2020. I was in Grade 7. When I jogged onto the field as captain, I felt like I had a lot of people’s hopes on my shoulders like my teammates and our supporters, but it wasn’t about me. It was all about what I could do for my team and my school.
I keep my team motivated during a game – even when things aren’t going well – by reminding them that the job is never done until the final whistle. I also remind my teammates about our brotherhood and the reasons why we play. It’s a privilege to play rugby because there are many people fighting for their lives. It’s a blessing to be healthy and able to play. I give 100% in everything, and I know my brothers have my back through all of it.
The thing that inspires me every time I jog onto the rugby field for a match is the appreciation of waking up in the morning and being able to wear the jersey and play a game. There are a lot of bad things that happen in our country. Thousands never make it to the next morning, so I’m fuelled by the lost dreams of others and do it for them.
Most fun game
My last game in primary school against Dundee Junior was the game I experienced most fun. Many people doubted my capabilities, so being able to lead my team into a game where we were always bound to be the underdogs. Nevertheless, we were able to surprise everyone and made it one to remember. On the other hand, our worst game was our last game of the season against Newcastle High School. We were missing a few first team players and the team’s spirit was a bit down. That translated to how the game was played. I was disappointed in myself because I felt like I could’ve done more to influence the situation to our advantage.
When I have a tough game behind me, I seek help or advice from my coach and my younger sister. They’re probably the most unfiltered human beings I know.
My greatest rugby Hero is Makazole Mapimpi. He made the most out of his talents with the little he was given. He was never supposed to be where he is, but he fought to be there.
Personal rugby goals
My personal rugby goals I would you like to achieve this year is to successfully finish our first ever fifteens rugby season. I would also like to continue playing rugby after school, hopefully at university.
How do I handle my responsibilities at rugby alongside social and academic responsibilities? Well, I feel like when you fully commit yourself into doing something you always have time to do it. I plan my week out every Sunday evening, and it’s a matter of adjusting if changes do occur.
My biggest single highlight of my rugby career so far is being part of the team that I’m currently in, as it was the school’s first ever fifteens rugby programme! I do also participate in other sports, athletics and soccer, before and after the rugby season.
The professional rugby player would you like to have coffee with is Damien Willemse.
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https://www.curro.co.za/schools/st-dominics-newcastle-high-school/
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