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FNB UFS Shimlas’ hat-trick hero: I will improve

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VarsityCup.co.za caught up with FNB UFS Shimlas flank Thabo Ndimande, the standout player in the second round of the tournament.

You’ve represented the Junior Springboks and FNB UFS Shimlas – but where did your rugby journey begin?
I attended Brakpan Primary School, a small unknown school which never really got exposure. Thereafter, I got the opportunity to further my career at Hoërskool Hans Moore, which is where I believe I grabbed every opportunity with both hands, playing in every provincial level provided by SA Rugby [for the Valke], from the Iqhawe Week to Craven Week. I also played in the U19 Currie Cup in my matric year.

What was the biggest lesson that you learned while in the Junior Boks camp that you still apply to your rugby?
Former Junior Boks coach Chean Roux taught me not to go for every steal or turnover. I remember his exact words: ‘You look like a dog sniffing for a bone in every bin. You would save yourself plenty of energy if you picked your fights.’ I believe that I’ve bettered myself in every training session and game since I heard those words.

How did you end up playing in the FNB Varsity Cup?
After leaving the Lions, I got various offers for study bursaries from different universities, but I was very interested in studying at UFS. I did my research, and what I found is that Shimlas have produced the most Springboks.

Which players do you look up to the most and why?
Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx and Western Province loose forward Hacjivah Dayimani. Marx is a turnover king. I love how Dayimani plays as a loose forward – his acceleration and agility are unbelievable.

You scored a hat-trick against FNB Maties. How were you feeling after that performance?
It definitely created a feeling I’ve never experienced before. It has increased my faith in prayer. Going forward, I plan to better myself in every game. I have to put in more work than the previous game in order to get that same feeling.

Next Monday, your team will face the FNB CUT Ixias in the big Bloemfontein derby. You haven’t beaten them in quite a long time. How pumped are you guys for the game against your local rivals?
It’s a very special match, not only for the players but for how it brings the community together and celebrates the sport. It’s also an important game in the context of the tournament, and we as a group are focused on making history this coming Monday.

Do FNB UFS Shimlas believe that the time has come to add a second title to their collection?
This season, we are mainly focused on building a bond among ourselves and most importantly a stronger bond with God. The more we praise, and the more we place God at the centre of everything we do, the more we believe that we can achieve our goal.

Who is Thabo Ndimande when he is away from rugby, and what does he enjoy doing most?
Thabo Ndimande is a happy person who always tries to bring positive energy to every situation. My name means ‘Happiness’ so I always try to make people happy. I’m a person who loves arcade games. I also play around with computers and try to create my own gaming, video content and forex trading systems.

Interview by Morgan Piek

More Rugby news HERE. The FNB Varsity Cup and Shield is an annual South African Rugby tournament that involves the top rugby playing universities in SA. The FNB Varsity Cup was launched in 2008 with the tournament taking place over just six weeks, including a bumper weekend of matches in George. Koshuis Rugby also started in 2008. In the same year the White Card rule was adopted.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.