SPORT: Bulls prop going with the flow
VIDEO: “Moving to a new city is challenging, but I fitted right in with the guys. I had to learn a few things including a new language, culture and with time I felt at home."
Blue Bulls prop Nqoba ‘Mox’ Mxoli recently spoke to Rekord about his journey with the team and how Pretoria has become his second home.
Born and bred in Clermont, Durban, the man known by many as ‘Mox’, never thought he’ll be in the heart of Loftus playing in front of 40 000 supporters.
After completing his matric at Westville Boys’ High School, Mxoli moved to Pretoria to join the Bulls in 2013.
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The 25-year-old prop said he was loving the sport and what it brings.
“I actually started playing basketball. Basketball is my first love and I played it in high school for the most part. Rugby was more like a hobby until my final year in high school,” he said.
Despite relocating to Pretoria, Mxoli said he has never been homesick.
“Moving to a new city is challenging, but I fitted right in with the guys. I had to learn a few things including a new language, culture and with time I felt at home. I featured for the Bulls junior teams and Tuks. In that time, we won everything, including the Varsity Cup in 2017.”
“From the UP Tuks Young Guns to the senior team, we were sailing and that’s one of the reasons why I’m still here because we have wonderful players and coaches,” he said.
Mxoli said his proudest moment was making his Super Rugby debut against the Sunwolves in 2016.
“I still remember that day very well. My mom flew all the way from Durban to watch me make my SuperRugby debut. Although she has been present and supporting me during my high school rugby and basketball games, it wasn’t the same. It was special that she was present in the stadium that helped establish my rugby career.
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“Even if I broke a leg that night, I would have still played with a broken leg; that’s just how special that night was,” he said.
Despite making a handful of appearances for the Bulls of late, the Durban prop still believes he can still improve and fight for a place in the first team.
“For now, I’m just going with the flow and working to improve my game. I hope in the next few years, I will be one of the first players in the team list.”
When asked about his plans in the next five years, Mxoli says he’s looking at furthering his studies.
“Thinking of going back to school to study BComm supply management or Business Studies.
The key to success is hard work and making the most of your opportunities. Never blame the circumstances or background, in fact use them to your advantage, Mxoli said.
He said the best way to improve was to keep trying until you get it right.
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