Big dreams for Hambanathi Bulls player
Ballito Dolphins chairman Mark Svenningsen said the club was overjoyed at their former player's success.
Former Ballito Dolphins player Mhleli Dlamini was recently signed by Pretoria rugby giants, the Blue Bulls.
Dlamini has secured the position at the cornerstone of the scrum – tighthead prop.
He was recruited in 2011 as a 15-year-old to play for the Dolphins team, eventually playing for the club’s 1st team in 2016.
Nicknamed “Giraffe”, he took up a contract with the Griffons in Welkom and later moved back to Durban in 2019 to play for the Crusaders.
The Hambanathi township-born rugby player said he was introduced to the sport by a friend, who asked him to go for trials at the Ballito Dolphins.
“It was strange because where I come from, rugby does not exist but I was selected into the under 19 team and from there I fell in love with the sport,” said Dlamini.
He praised the Dolphins coaching team and said they had played a huge role in making him the player he is today. He said they were passionate and wanted him to go far.
“I had a very good time at the Dolphins, I met lots of good guys and there was always encouragement from the club.”
Ballito Dolphins chairman Mark Svenningsen said the club was overjoyed at their former player’s success.
“It goes without saying how proud we are of him. Good news stories like this are not possible without the support of our sponsors and community. Good luck, Giraffe!”
Dlamini encouraged young rugby players to keep their head in the game and believe in themselves.
“But most importantly you must be willing to be coached and show commitment. Put God first in everything that you do and I am sure you will be able to make it.”
His aim now? To one day be selected for the national team and win the World Cup!
