Lwazi set his sights on donning the green and gold

Lwazi Monakali, the King Edward VII School (KES) first team rugby captain, said his dream was to represent the Springboks one day.

Monakali grew up in the Eastern Cape where he played soccer, but when he moved to Cape Town, his new school didn’t offer the beautiful game. “My school only had rugby and I thought I might as well try it out and it became something I enjoyed and now I am hoping to further my career in it,” he said.

The young centre had an impressive Easter rugby festival, leading from the front as the skipper and he crossed the white line four times in three matches.

When Monakali started playing rugby he was a loose forward and was inspired by players such as Siya Kolisi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe, both of Western Province.

“Sikhumbuzo Notshe is a guy I have seen at school and he has come out and made a career for himself in rugby and that’s my inspiration. The will to work and become something in life is what drives me,” said Monakali.

However, despite rugby being his main focus, the KES skipper also understands the importance of education. Now in matric, he hopes to get a scholarship and go to university where he wants to play in the Varsity Cup competition and get exposure as a player.

When asked what the school’s secret is in terms of consistently producing top sportsmen he said, “It’s a school that has a lot of tradition, pride and passion. I think those three words sum it all up – we have guys that work hard and always aspire to be great.”

And Monakali wants to be one of those greats. “I would like to see myself playing for the Springboks one day, probably playing at the Emirates Airline Park [Ellis Park] which is one of the best performing grounds for the Boks.”

He also had encouragement for his fellow first team players. “God has given you a talent and you never know that talent until you express it,” he said.

“With rugby it requires a lot of commitment and you need to practise till you get it right and then continue practising.”