Khwezi reaches milestone for Pumas

The 26 year old made his debut for the local side on March 7, 2015 against the Griffons, also on home ground, in which the Pumas were victorious with 57-18.

“It was my first milestone at an union and I am proud to play for such an amazing team. I want to thank coach Jim for giving me the opportunity to be part of the family and for believing in me. I have grown so much as a player and as a person as well.”

Getting to know Khwezi Mona
Khwezi was born and raised in East London. He went to Gonubie Primary School, some 35 kilometres from East London which after he matriculated at Selbourne College.

At the young age of eight years old, he was offered a bursary at an art school in East London.

“After school my dad would drop me off and pick me up after work. In grade five I had to make a decision – either rugby or art. I played rugby to make friends as I was an awkward biggish kid.”

“Back then Gonubie had no more than 500 kids. High school was a huge adjustment. I was an u/14 B player and I was always complaining. I wanted to make the A team. So I got out of my comfort zone and at Selbourne the competition was very competitive. I had to get out of my comfort zone. I lost a lot of weight and played for the first team for three consecutive years.”

Khwezi’s uncle is still a math teacher at Selbourne and his brother Max (30) was in matric when Khwezi started grade eight.

“My brother and his friends gave me such a hard time. At break his friends would come and take my lunch, but it was good times.”

After school, Khewzi joined the Sharks Academy where he played in the Absa u/21 competition and Vodacom Cup the following year. He finished his Bcom Management diploma at Unisa.

His baby sister Gcobisa (22) is studying law at NMMU.

Memorable moments
The Pumas’ win against the Sharks in the 2015 Currie Cup and the victory over the Blue Bulls in 2017.

I picked up two tries in the second half against the Cheetahs last year.

“It was a crazy season. We were devastated not to play in a semi final. But the team gel together well and I am glad we can look forward to this Currie Cup season. We most definitely work for a home semi final this year.”

One thing he will never forget
“Like I will never forget that day. Having played for Border in the U/16 Grant Khomo week and the U/18 Cravenweek the guys didn’t really care about our opposition. The guys will only look at the players’ height and weight.”

He said it…
Best mate
Brian (Shabangu) and I have a very good understanding. He was one of my very first mates when I joined the Pumas. He will always check up on me and congratulate me after a good game. He is such a good guy and a great support system.

Funniest
Frank (Herne) is such a funny guy. I enjoy him as a player and as a friend. I always have a good laugh with Louis (Albertse).