Young Bulls star to make debut in Lions’ den
Young Blue Bulls forward Abongile Nonkontwane looking to make an impact.
Young Blue Bulls forward Abongile Nonkontwane is relishing an opportunity to play for the first team after being promoted earlier this week.
Nonkontwane is part of the Bulls 23-man squad to face the Lions on Saturday at Ellis Park.
Speaking to Rekord, Nonkontwane said rugby was always his first love despite playing other sports in primary school.
“Rugby has always been my first love because my dad used to play it and I always watched him. I grew up playing soccer, hockey and cricket, however, rugby was in my blood,” he said.
“I attended the Selborne College (East London) where they helped sharpen my skills and techniques.”
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Nonkontwane then moved to Pretoria at the age of 16 to attend the St Albans College.
“When I was 16, the Bulls scouted me during the U/16 high performance programme. Later that year, I made my way to Pretoria where I became part of the Bulls family.”
During his six year period with the Bulls, the forward has been part of the U/17 and U/19 Bulls squads and represented the country in the U/20 world cup in New Zealand back in 2014.
“Many thought we were supposed to win that junior world cup after we defeated the host twice. Unfortunately we lost in the final against England. I learned a lot during that tournament which featured my teammates such as Jesse (Kriel) and (Handre) Pollard,” Nonkontwane said.
Recently, he captained the Bulls Supersport Challenge team before he got promoted to the first team.
The 22-year-old said he was excited to feature in the main team.
“It has always been my dream to become a professional rugby player. I take it step by step. I don’t believe in long terms goals, I want to focus on what I can do now and take it one step at a time.
“I’d like to sharpen my skills, improve as a player and hopefully represent the national team.”
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Nonkontwane urged supporters to come in numbers to the Bulls-Lions match on Saturday.
“It will be nice to have a good support this weekend. I know we have let them down, and the camp is hurting.
“However, we want to go out there and give it our all. To see more blue jerseys in the crowd will obviously give us motivation.”
Outside rugby, Nonkontwane spends time with family in the Cape.
“I love being with my mom and little sister during the off season. On weekends, I usually hang out with the guys and have a braai,” he said.
(Photo by Johan Rynners/Sunshine Tour/Gallo Images)
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