Versatile Oaribile seeking rugby greatness
The 18-year-old who dreams of one day becoming a farmer was recently voted South African LSEN Rugby Player of the Year.
For Oaribile Thatlhodi from Pro-Practicum School, being chosen as Rugby Player of the Year and going for tryouts at the Blue Bulls is something he never thought he would achieve. This is exactly where hard work and dedication have brought him.
The 18-year-old who has played in the back line since primary school was recently chosen as the South African Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) Rugby Player of the Year.
After primary school, he went to Bekker High School and made it to the first rugby team. He then moved on to Pro-Practicum and the LSEN side and made the Golden Lions team in his first year. The second year, he was also named man of the match in a few Golden Lions matches.
Just like his rugby idol Damien Willemse, Oaribile is also a jack of all trades on the field and although he plays fly-half, he is a man of many talents and can also play in both the centre and fullback positions.
Oaribile follows a strict fitness programme that he had put together for himself. He loves the moments on the field and giving his all. His advice to young rugby players is to believe in yourself and never give up no matter how hard it gets.
“I have some fond memories on the rugby field and being selected for the first team and Golden Lions are two such moments. I am, however, still trying to perform well every time I run onto the field.”
Even though rugby makes this young man happy, his ultimate dream remains to be a farmer one day.
