Mzwandile Mali champs on hunt for fourth trophy
Nzondelelo High share their winning formula
Three-time Mzwandile Mali rugby tournament champions Nzondelelo High School coach Phumelele Martin has shared the school’s recipe for success.
The Zwide school beat Molly Blackburn of Uitenhage in a close encounter in last year’s final to be crowned champions for the third year running.
With a new trophy up for grabs, Martin said his players were out to continue their domination of the tournament with a fourth triumph next weekend.
And how have they managed their success and grown their rugby culture?
“We are fortunate to get help from former players who scout pupils from primary schools, but we also have schools that are our feeders,” Martin said.
“So by the time pupils get to grade 8 we already know who to recruit.
“We build players and mentor them from when they enter the school and group them according to their ages and strengths.
“We have four teams here at the school.
“That is why we have a strong and solid team every year, despite players leaving after matric.”
Martin said the other major contributor to their success was the tremendous support they received from teachers at the school.
“Rugby does not belong to one person here at Nzondelelo but to all the teachers.
“We also have to play matches outside the Mali tournament.
“We take part in league games.
“So we have teachers who help us when it comes to that.”
Martin said there were already some of their former players who were making a name for themselves.
“We have one player, Aphelele Blou, who is with the Free State Rugby Academy, and Siphehle Magawa, who now plays for Walter Sisulu University.”
Speaking about this year’s tournament, the coach said:
“We know that as much as we are champions it is better to be the underdog than a champion because all of these schools are looking forward to toppling you. But we are prepared.
“We are playing against Solomon Mahlangu of Uitenhage in the quarterfinal.
“They are a very strong team. If we win, we will play Booysen Park in the semifinal.”
Martin said the school had had less discipline issues since their involvement in the tournament.
They had also noticed more pupils wanting to play rugby, especially with the added incentive of a tour to England.
The quarterfinal fixtures for next weekend are:
Molly Blackburn v Phakamisa, Solomon Mahlangu v Nzondelelo, Cowan v Mary Walter, Booysen Park (Bye)
All the games will be played at the Wolfson Stadium in Kwazakhele. Games will kick off at 1pm.