The hard-working, talented flanker from KZN, Wandi Mazibuko (24) has taken the road less travelled to Potchefstrstroom in search of rugby glory.
After a couple of years, this path is paying dividends for Mazibuko, who is now a regular starter in the number six jersey for the Leopards.
From a young age, Wandi, who was born in Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, has always loved rugby. He was introduced to the sport by his friend, Siyanda Ndaba, while they were still in primary school. He started playing in Gr.1 and before long, Glenwood High school came knocking and recruited him to be a part of their school. Wandi became captain of the u.15 rugby team at Glenwood High and everything took off from there.
“That’s when I realised I’m actually quite good at this sport,” he said.
During his matric year, he was the captain of the first team that also took part in Craven Week.
In 2014, he got a junior contract with the Sharks before moving to Potchefstroom in 2015. The next year, he started studying at North-West University and recently graduated with a diploma in sports science. While studying, he was also part of the Varsity sevens team and u.21 Leopards team. In 2018, he played in the Varsity Cup and the senior Currie Cup.
According to Wandi, many challenges and pressures come with rugby. One of them is losing.
“When you know how hard you have worked and don’t come out with a win is hard, but I have learnt that you never lose – you always learn – and when you win, you still learn.”
“Another reason why I play this sport as hard as I do is for my family, especially my mother. She has supported me since I was a child and, now that I have all the tools, the contracts and everything, I want to give back to her,” he added.
With support from his mother, Wandi is still committed to growing and developing in the sport.
“It is something that is second nature to me now. I don’t think I would be able to function if there was no rugby anymore. My routine is all rugby. I love the game and love the physicality of it. I love to win.”
