Rugby Captains. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Lizwilenkozi Zulu. Lizwilenkozi is the captain of Curro Salt Rock High School’s 1st rugby team. Lizwilenkozi today scores the twelfth try in our series this year on Rugby Captains from high schools in South Africa.
“I started playing rugby at the age of eight and was instantly hooked to the sport. I don’t like rugby – I love rugby! It’s a thrilling and fun sport that constantly challenges you as a team and an individual. I initially started playing, as all my brothers were participating in the sport and were doing well. I decided to give it a try and I thought I could take the legacy they started to greater heights.
When I played my first rugby game, I don’t quite remember just one emotion. There were many. I would say a little scared and nervous about the tackles and bounce.I was so proud after that first game. What I also remember is that I knew I was participating in the right sport. When I touched that ball for the first time, magic happened. Especially as I played scrumhalf, it was fun.
The first time I was elected captain was in Grade 3.The first time I jogged on the field as rugby captain, I felt comfortable and in control. I had gained experience from Grade 2 onwards on how to handle teammates. Also how to navigate different situations. The confidence comes from knowing my team and we were going to be great.
Advice to beginners
My advice to beginners is that it’s okay to take a loss. They count more than the wins as they build your character. Furthermore they unite the team and create a stronger bond. Especially when you lose a game, knowing that you played to the best of your ability and made your school, coach and parents proud of the team’s performance.
The position I currently play is hooker in 15s and scrumhalf in 7s. I have also played scrumhalf, fly half and wing in 15s. In 7s I’ve played all the positions as 7s require you to be adaptive and versatile. I believe in 15s I will make a better wing if I work hard enough. I believe I have everything a winger requires, and it would make me happy. In 7s I am very much happy with my positions.
As rugby captain I keep my team motivated by telling them “let’s go back to the basics of rugby. Let’s have fun, enjoy yourselves while you’re out there and remember the badge you are playing for. It is an honour and blessing, not everyone has this opportunity.”
A good rugby player must put God first! Be composed, have vision, and a never give up mentality. No matter the score. In short, have heart.
Key to success
My key to success on the rugby field is my teammates, for sure! They make me look good with their spirit and commitment. So, without them, I would not be needed to lead as there would be no one to lead.
The school badge I wear and the people I play for inspires me every time I run on to the rugby field.
Last year’s Pioneer tournament I played my most enjoyable rugby. Playing Pioneer, the host school in the Quarter finals was a hard and brutal game. But it was fun and thrilling because the team did everything right from start to end, with communication and running the moves. Also seeing that smile on my coach’s face was the best thing ever.
The game I rather want to forget, is the game we played at the Curro Cup last year at Curro Hazeldean, against the host. In the semi-finals we lost in extra time, and we were our worst enemies. We made silly mistakes from the team, including myself. The tries we conceded were based off of bad decision making on them, and I just want to forget it. We were so close.
Good rugby decisions I made was by taking initiative with ball in hand when teammates have their heads down. When they see their captain run great lines, stepping people and scoring tries, it inspires them to do the same.
Advice from God
When I had a bad game, I seek advice from God. God always gives me signs on what to do. I ask during a game show me the way and sometimes he speaks to me through my coach and sometimes through my teammates and even the supporters.
My greatest rugby hero is Akuila Rokolosoa, the New Zealand 7s scrumhalf. He has a similar type of rugby style, he enjoys what he does and playing the game.
My personal rugby goal I would like to achieve this year, is to make provincial level, whether it’s Schoolboy Sharks or school-boy Celub Sharks.
It’s extremely hard to handle your responsibilities at rugby alongside social and academic responsibilities, especially being Head Boy too. I believe breathing in and taking things at my own pace helps. If I’m doing things at other people’s pace, I’ll lose it and go crazy and that’s not the goal. But thanks to my friends and teachers they help me take things at my own pace.
My biggest single highlight of my rugby career so far, is being asked to go to the HP performance at Kings Park and training with some great talents that are in tier 1 schools, like Luyanda Kunene, Kuhle Mtimkhulu, Likhona Finca, Speedy Ramaloko, Mazibuko, Wandile Mlaba. It is just great to play with such players and learn from them.
Other sports I participate before and after the rugby season, is soccer.
The professional rugby player I would like to have coffee with? It’s a tough question, but I have to say Selvyn Davids.
Describe yourself in one word? Fun.“
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