Mfundo Ndhlovu’s journey to becoming a sevens rugby player for the Blitzboks has been nothing short of inspiring. Coming from a small town, Standerton, in Mpumalanga, the rising rugby star is fuelled by dedication and faith. Raised by a strong mother, who serves as his guiding light, Ndhlovu defied expectations and earned his spot on his high school’s first team. The rest is history.
Mfundo Ndhlovu, a Blitzbok player, recalls that he was in the 5th grade when one of his primary school coaches first called him up to play rugby. Prior to this, he had only been involved in sports such as athletics and high jump, he says. PHOTO: Jodi-Mari Adams
Coming from humble beginnings
Out of the heart of Mpumalanga, in a quiet, quint town called Standerton, emerged a rising force, destined to leave his mark on the world of rugby. Mfundo Ndhlovu, the middle child in a trio of siblings, shares a unique, unbreakable bond with his brother and sister, he says. Raised by a remarkable single mother, she served as their guiding light, offering mentorship and instilling the strength that would pave the way for her children’s journey through life, says Ndlovu.
Malibongwe Ndhlovu, Mfundo’s younger brother, recalls the moment that changed their lives, setting them on a path to becoming a rugby-loving family.
“One moment that I remember vividly was when the whole family went to go watch him play rugby, we were so amazed by how good he was,” he says. “I remember he flicked the ball over a defender almost like a soccer player would.”
It was this moment that would showcase Mfundo’s natural talent to his family. Little did they know that this would also be the moment that introduced them to the sport that they have now grown to love so much, says Malibongwe.
Blitzbok player, Mfundo Ndhlovu, made his debut for the national sevens rugby team in 2018 at the age of 21, he says. PHOTO: Jodi-Mari Adams
Rugby has the power to unite
The player’s success contributed to the unity in his family and was a testament to the power of sport and how it could unite loved ones, according to his younger brother.
“Whenever Mfundo’s playing, usually they play games over the weekend, we would have the family come over and the house would literally be packed and we would have so much fun,” says Malibongwe.
However, the family’s unity was not just about supporting Mfundo on the rugby field; it was about celebrating his achievements as a collective as well, he adds.
Malibongwe describes their relationship as intensely competitive. The Ndhlovu brothers compete in everything, from late-night PlayStation battles to passing drills in the backyard. But the competition is not just about winning; but it is rather about pushing each other to excel, he says.
One of the most important life lessons that Mfundo Ndhlovu, a player for the Blitzboks, has learnt is to remain disciplined and hold oneself accountable in every situation, he says. “I feel like I have a responsibility as a professional rugby player to uphold a high standard for myself and always hold myself accountable, particularly with training and punctuality,” he adds. PHOTO: Jodi-Mari Adams
A charismatic presence
Mfundo’s influence goes beyond the rugby field. Naturally he’s a people’s person, a characteristic he undoubtedly inherited from his mother, according to his brother, he has the natural ability to connect with people, says Ndhlovu.
His teammate, Shaun Williams, describes him as the “clown” of the field, attesting to the players charisma and atmosphere of fun that Ndhlovu fills the room with.
However, it is Ndhlovu’s humility and down-to-earth nature that also makes him a remarkable figure in the lives of those that know him, says Williams.
“[He is] hardworking, loyal, friendly, [and] trustworthy,” according to Williams. All qualities that are helpful to his team’s performance on the field, says Williams. Ndlovu is a team player who always brings his part, adding to the strength of his team, he adds.
“Always work towards your purpose, and obviously, your faith will ultimately determine how far you go in your rugby career and life,” says Mfundo Ndhlovu, a national sevens rugby player. PHOTO: Jodi-Mari Adams
A turning point in his career
Initially only participating in sports such as athletics and high jump, Ndhlovu was shocked when one of his primary school coaches called him up to play for their school’s rugby team.
“From there on, I just continued going to practice and I just started to love it from there […] that’s where my passion and my love for rugby started and I’ve just never looked back,” he says.
Ndhlovu continued playing the sport throughout his primary school career but reached a turning point in 8th grade. He was selected to play for his school’s first team at only 14 years old.
It was this honour that made Ndhlovu finally take the sport seriously. “That’s where I actually got more motivation to train harder and just develop my skill set in rugby,” says the sevens player.
When I start feeling pressure, or I just start feeling emotional about big games, I listen to some gospel, and I just pray. I just leave it in God’s hands.
Making sacrifices
As with any other sport, to excel, sacrifices needed to be made. While others were out enjoying their December holidays, Ndhlovu spent most of his mornings and afternoons as a teenager training to keep up with the rest of his first-team teammates, he says.
“That’s one of the biggest sacrifices that I’ve [had to make] in high school, sacrificing my holidays to just keep working and getting better,” he says.
However, this hard work and dedication seems to have paid off. “On the field he’s a really special player to have,” says Williams. “[He has] a lot of x-factor and individual brilliance. He brings a lot of confidence to us as players and [to] management,” adds Williams.
Eyes set on God.
In times of pressure, Ndhlovu turns to God, he says. “I don’t believe in putting pressure into an already pretty high situation,” adds Ndhlovu. “When I start feeling pressure, or I just start feeling emotional about big games, I listen to some gospel, and I just pray. I just leave it in God’s hands.”
This is the legacy that he wants to leave behind for his supporters and aspiring rugby players, he says. “I just want people to look at me and say that is a man of God.”
“Life is not easy, and I never want to portray that. I actually want to be a living example that I am a soldier of God and I live my life for Him,” he says.
Aspirations beyond the rugby field
While continuing to excel in rugby is one of Mfundo’s desires, his aspirations extend further than the rugby field. “[I’d like to start] my own non-profit organisation that helps people who are underprivileged, especially like the youth in underdeveloped communities,” says Ndhlovu.
“My biggest motivation: I wake up every day and tell myself that it’s bigger than me; I’m doing it for my family and all the young kids in my family, as well as the younger generation looking up to me. So, I hold myself in high regard, especially when it comes to motivation,” he adds. PHOTO: Jodi-Mari Adams