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Zwane’s living the Aussie dream

Who knew South Africa had an Aussie Rules national team? Or that one of its best exponents, plys his trade in Tasmania. Meet Thembinkosi 'Dino' Zwane, who talks about the heat down under, Zulu words and his passion for AFL.

GROWING up in the township of uMlazi, Thembinkosi ‘Dino’ Zwane haboured dreams of one day playing for the Proteas. Now the 23-year-old has fulfilled one part of the dream, representing South Africa, but the sporting code is worlds apart. The former DUT student is a key part of SA national Australian Rules Football team (AFL).

“My friends told me about it and decided to give it a try. To introduce us to the rules, we watched a DVD of the Australian grand final between the West Coast and the Sydney Swans. It seemed a flexible sport and I was deadly keen to give it a go. I remember the first training session, playing barefoot, and punting the ball 40m downfield, it was exhilarating,” he said.

Zwane currently plys his trade in Tasmania where he plays for the South Launceston Bulldogs. “It’s definitely been an eye-opener, both from the physical and skills side of things. The Aussies were amazed that someone from South Africa was so adept at one of their national sports. I’ve even taught them some Zulu, not the naughty words though,” he laughed. He’s already scored 14 goals for the Bulldogs.

Zwane said his main focus is to help the national side win next year’s International Cup.

“In 2011, we finished fifth out of 23 sides which was a fantastic achievement. The boys are confident going into next years tournament.” As the sole representatives of the African continent, the talented wing feels South Africa can better their best finish (3rd in 2008).

“My proudest moment was receiving my national colours. I’m just grateful for the chance to play and the only way is up for the national side,” he said. Zwane will now travel back down under to try and help his side win the Tazmanian State League.

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Shiraz Habbib

Shiraz has been a community journalist for the last 12 years and has a specific interest in everything sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts undergrad degree and honours degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal where he majored in Communications, Anthropology and English.

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