In his second year representing FNB Wits in the FNB Varsity Cup competition, Kabelo Mokhethi has been in impressive form wearing the number ten jersey.
The 23-year-old has already completed a BA Law degree and is currently pursuing an LLB qualification at Wits University. In between the Varsity Cup and the LLB degree, he is also a part of the St John’s College U14A Rugby coaching staff, as a backline coach.
Varsity Cup was fortunate to catch up with KB, as he is affectionately known, in between his busy schedule to chat about the competition and about what keeps him ticking.
There has been a different feel to the Wits team this year, with quite a few new faces in the mix, says Mokhethi.
“This year our squad is a lot younger than what we’ve had in the past years, but the guys are very excited to showcase their talents.”
The flyhalf position requires a lot of calmness in pressure situations, but KB believes his remedy of building well in the week leading up to a game helps him keep his cool.
“My week leading up to game day is imperative. I try to build momentum at training so that when those pressure moments arise in the game, I trust myself to execute.”
KB has always believed in putting in the hard yards, which has certainly often set him apart from other players. He shares what has helped him in his rugby journey so far.
“It takes a whole lot of sacrifices to get to this position, the number of hours spent on rugby and school obviously limit your social life a bit but those are sacrifices you must be willing to make in order to reap the rewards that come with being in this position.”
Hard work at times goes hand-in-hand with inspiration and KB says he has found his through a late school friend, with whom he shared a special bond.
“My biggest rugby inspiration lately has been my late friend Muzi Manyike. He was one person who played a huge role in building up my confidence in my abilities as a player. More importantly, he was an exceptional human being, so the thought of being able to continue playing for him who no longer has the opportunity drives me immensely.”
by S’fiso Nyawo
