Mvovo’s role changing at the Sharks
IT DOES not seem that long ago that Lwazi Mvovo burst onto the scene with his blistering pace and eye for the try line, but seven years on, and 99 Super Rugby appearances later, the powerful winger has morphed into a new role in Durban.
Experience out wide has never been a challenge for the Sharks. In recent times Odwa Ndungane has provided a calm head in the back three, along with JP Pietersen, with both wingers amassing over 130 Super Rugby caps each.
Now however, with Pietersen gone, plying his trade in Leicester in England, and Ndungane in the twilight of his career, Mvovo is the man stepping up as the mentor with all the wisdom for a squad full of young and precocious talent.
Mvovo admits that he is having to dole out the odd bit of advice every now and again, but he is not above learning off the fresh and fiery youth, especially in the backline.
“My role has changed a bit,” the winger agreed. “There are a couple of youngsters in the squad – like Sibusiso Nkosi, who plays at wing, very talented, and Ilunga Mukendi, also at wing.”
Nkosi played three games for the Baby Boks last year, and Mukendi is a product of Glenwood High School.
“You have to give a bit of advice to them,” Mvovo continued about those fledglings underneath him.
“Just as I was given advice when I came into the system. It is exciting times to see how the youngsters are gelling and fitting into the game plan.”
Indeed, these players are ones for the future, whereas Mvovo is the incumbent and the Bok wing is looking to keep fresh and evolve his own game anyway he can.
“I don’t think I can ever be seen as that senior, not too senior to learn stuff from the youngsters as they have some brilliant ideas, and I also learn like that, on top of giving them my own advice.”
Mvovo, as one of the senior statesmen in the team, is clearly doing everything he can to aid the integration of new and exciting talent, while getting all he can out of it for the benefit of the team.
And this is somethingcoach Rob du Preez has picked up on, in relation to the balance of his squad.
“There is a good spirit in the team, hard work and discipline have really brought the guys together,” Du Preez said in his typical no-nonsense way.
“It is always good to have that balance of experience and youth in the team.”