The only ‘Try’ Ngia Selengbe takes seriously is one that earns him points

As a child, Ngia Selengbe was drawn to rugby after seeing all his friends get into it and he feared he would be missing out. Little did he then know that this sport would go on to have a hold on his life that would see him play not only in great teams but on fields across our nation.

A competition he will never forget is the U20 Currie Cup. “I played for the Lions U20 team and we went undefeated in the tournament which was a really special accomplishment for us.” Through the years he has taken part in various competitions such as Lions U18 Craven Week, Lions U21, Lions U20, Rainbow Cup as well as the Wits Varsity Cup.

He credits rugby as having a major positive impact on his life. From helping him become more disciplined and organised to helping him understand there is always a purpose to the pain. This pain can come in varying forms, whether it be physical, or challenges faced. He highlighted injuries he incurred in a couple of seasons as a challenge he had to face. These injury-stricken seasons were extremely difficult for him both mentally and physically.

The Wits student is currently in training for the Varsity Cup. Through the sport he loves he hopes he inspires others to persevere through difficulties. Knowing that your story will one day be someone’s motivation to keep going. In times he has had to face disappointments he draws closer to his faith to carry him through his challenges. He also is of the strong belief that you can only truly fail once you stop trying and Selengbe won’t stop trying until he plays at the highest level of rugby possible and hopefully amid all that success, goes on to become a Springbok, his ultimate goal.

To fellow and younger athletes his message to you is to believe in yourself and your abilities no matter what may happen and to remember you not being one coach’s ‘cup of tea’ doesn’t mean you’re not a good cup of tea.

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