FNB Varsity Shield
FNB WSU All Blacks centre Sibusiso Hans on his rugby journey, playing in the FNB Varsity Shield and paying tribute to his late father.
How did you start playing rugby? As a young boy, I used to go to a private school called Kideo Preparatory. I was literally the only kid there who was athletic. There was no sport there, though, so my dad decided to move me to a public school, Fort Beaufort Primary. I fell in love with rugby there. I played from U9 up and continued to do so at Winterberg Agricultural High School.
What was it like at Winterberg Agricultural? It’s a small school in Fort Beaufort, which is a small town. Given the resources we had, we did our best. There were difficult circumstances but we gave our all. Attending a small school and being selected for the Eastern Province Country Districts Craven Week team meant a lot to me.
How did your move to Walter Sisulu University come about? I was with Border U20 last year, but unfortunately we couldn’t play so I had to go to EP U20. The WSU coaches then reached out and I didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity. They had seen me play before, so I knew they believed in me.
What’s it like playing for FNB WSU? I feel honoured, it’s really huge for me. The Varsity Shield is a big step up from U20 rugby. Hopefully, I will grow as a player and make a name for myself.
Who are your rugby heroes? Malakai Fekitoa and Rieko Ioane. There’s a saying ‘God bless the underdog’ and they are the underdogs. They are underrated, but whenever they get the ball they show what they can do.
Do you have any rugby superstitions? Yes, every 10 or so minutes on the field I give a silent shoutout to my dad, who passed away in 2018. He was my biggest supporter and that’s what pushes me to give my best in each game.
What are you studying? I’m studying IT and am going to open my own business one day.
Interview by Lehlogonolo Ditshego
Photo: Catherine Kotze/ASEM Engage
