The live-wire FNB UFS Shimlas loose forward, Kwezi Dlamini, is on a mission to make his third FNB Varsity Cup season with the team count.
The LLB student started playing for the Shimlas at the same time as coach André Tredoux made his return to the team and since day one has proven to be one of their standout players.
Dlamini is well aware of the platform the Varsity Cup provides players to further their careers as professionals as well as get a quality education.
Over the years, Shimlas have had numerous loose-forwards move on to play for Currie Cup teams. These include the likes of Oupa Mohoje (Cheetahs), Rewald van der Merwe (Pumas), Thabo Ndimande and Lourens Oosthuizen (both Griquas), and Dlamini wants the same.
Dlamini says the mission is to enjoy every single moment of his time with the Shimlas while he can. There is also a desire to use the opportunity to better his as well as his family's lives.
“Our coach always asks us ‘what's your why, why do you what you do?’.
“My 'why' is to do it for myself, my family, my mom and to better my life. Rugby is one of the sports that you can use to influence and inspire people, and of course, it's also to have fun as well.
“When you enter the four lines it's an opportunity to express yourself, especially after working so hard during the preseason and off-season. It's to enjoy myself and play with my mates because it doesn't last for long, the Varsity Cup goes by really quickly. University life and rugby careers go by very quickly, so you've got to enjoy it.
“The big thing I'm currently facing and focusing on is to play for the Shimlas as much as I can and hopefully help bring the trophy home at the end of the season.”
