When a recurring shoulder injury dashed Tshepang Kgwedi’s hopes of a rugby career, refereeing became the only way to stay on the field.
Driven by a passion for the sport, the Valke Rugby Referees Society member just couldn’t stay out of a game he played since Primary School.
“I was a player before. Due to recurring injuries, I stopped and attended a World Rugby course on introduction to officiating,” he said.
Hailing from Etwatwa where soccer is a staple, the lack of physicality in football didn’t cut it for him. It was instead the ‘make him hurt, make him yours’ physical approach, the cornerstone of South African rugby that charmed him.
“I couldn’t play soccer. My friends used to tease and call me names. I joined the rugby team at Zamukhanyo Primary School where I played until Grade Seven.
“In high school at Caiphus Nyoka, there was no team but Ms TT Sibutha started one. She developed us into competitive rugby players. I played there until I matriculated,” he commented.
Post-matric, the 23-year transitioned into coaching. He obtained a Level One World Rugby Union certificate and coached the local school team.
However, his passion lay not on the touchline but in the middle of the park, ensuring the rules of the game are adhered to.
With just over two years of experience in officiating, the road is still long. He will encounter many twists and turns.
That he’s already been hauled over the coals for a wrong call in a match, made him embrace the pressure that comes with carrying out a rugby game. He admits that there is still lots to learn.
“Officiating can be stressful, but whenever I am about to go onto the field, I tell myself that I need to keep calm, trust my decision and not let my emotions overcome me.
“I usually communicate with both team captains to can run a smooth and disciplined game because as a match official you need to be self-disciplined and lead by example.”
Like his role model, Jaco Peyper, he hopes to have a long career in national and international rugby and earn the praise of his colleagues when he blows the whistle for the last time.
The Valke’s referees manager, Renier Vos, heaped praise on the Etwatwa resident for his passion and willingness to take his game forward.
“He is a hard-working referee. He’s coachable and learns quickly and is one of our up-and-coming referees. We, at the Valke, will provide him with the tools to reach a higher level,” he said.
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