From the small town of Nylstroom or Modimolle, comes a rugby player with a big presence, power and, most importantly, a big heart.

From Matimu “Ganji” Manganyi’s heart springs an inherent love for rugby, where he features for the NWU and the Leopards as a prop who has grown in leaps and bounds.

According to Manganyi, most people on campus do not even know his real name. His nickname, “Ganji”, has become a household name since he first made the NWU Varsity Cup squad in 2017, under the guidance of Jonathan Mokuena.

Now, the former Ben Vorster alumnus has made the NWU and Leopards front row his own. Manganyi remembers the childhood wrestling matches he had with his friends, though – no wonder he has turned into such a formidably strong front-row forward.

“My fondest memory of growing up in Polokwane was taking bike rides to my friend’s (Tommy Mashapu’s) house, where we would wrestle each other. I was always The Undertaker and he was Shawn Michaels,” remembers Manganyi.

“It is quite weird to hear other rugby players say they played different positions growing up. I’ve always played prop, except at Craven Week, where I had a short stint at hooker,” he says.

His journey into the Varsity Cup squad in 2017 happened quite quickly for the young prop who had a storming game for the junior side, leading up to the final selection of the senior Varsity Cup squad.

“I remember walking with my teammates to look for a spot to sit and watch the seniors play. Then I said to them, imagine playing varsity cup. Little did I know that the very Wednesday of that week, I’d be part of the team,” he revisits.

Not everything was sun-shine and roses for Manganyi, though. He had to battle injury in 2018 – in the warm-up match against Tuks, before the first week of the Varsity Cup.

“I tore the ligaments in my ankle and fought to get myself back on the field. It was tough and I didn’t feel like myself, but the best part was being able to push myself past the pain and have a great season, nonetheless.”

Rugby has also allowed Manganyi to teach those around him, to improve, not only others, but also himself. That is why he feels teaching should be the way forward for him.

“Like many other rugby players, I’m sure, my dream is to play professional rugby. But, not only that, I want to leave the game better than I found it, to help younger guys develop too. And, beyond rugby, I want to be a teacher, because I feel that young people should be open to dreaming bigger.

“I want to help in the process of making young boys and girls better and ready for life after high school, so that they can make a difference too. Because it was a teacher who helped me see things differently and not just as an athlete, but someone who can bring change,” adds Manganyi. His rugby hero is the former Lions and Northampton Saints tighthead prop, Brian Mujati.

First and foremost, Manganyi is a family man who draws inspiration from them. His heart pumps fastest for those he cares for and have been there for him in good and bad times.

“My little brother doesn’t know what it means to give up. Most importantly, the church has also played a big role in my development outside of rugby; I’m inspired to better myself day in and day out. My girlfriend, Thyhiscka Bout, and my friends (Sibusiso Mlangeni, Tshegofatso Moloto, Oratile Goamphe), have been big supporters. They have always been there to tell me when I’m doing well or have lost the plot,” explains Manganyi. He is currently in his final year of BA HMS and Psychology studies at the NWU.

Having played in countless matches for the NWU and Leopards in the past four years, Manganyi picks out one specific game as his favourite.

“The Varsity Cup pool match against Maties in 2018 went to the wire in a 33–33 draw as both teams threw punch after punch. It was unfortunate that it ended in a draw.”

His former coach, Jonathan Mokuena, has the final say on Ganji, who impressed him as a determined young player who needed to win your trust before he would believe in you.

“Ganja (as I used to call him) is a special individual who knows what he wants.

“He likes doing things at his own pace and, in general, is a really good team player. He has loads of skill and is a bit quicker than the usual tighthead prop.”