By: Zethu Gweva
Mdantsane born Mntungwa Mapantsela was awarded a bursary over the amount of R100 000 in 2020 to attend The Sharks Academy in Durban.
The headboy at Selborne College is one of three players who scored themselves the Sharks nod of acknowledgement at the Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival.
According to grade 12 pupil the bursary comprises of a contract with the academy, tuition and accommodation. He added that he is honoured to have received this bursary.
“It is quite an honour to receive this bursary especially coming from a humble family, being raised by a single parent and having my sister’s support, so going to college for free is a blessing,” said Mapantsela.
In addition Mapantsela conveyed that as an 18 year old coming from Mdantsane, it is easy to get carried away with all the unnecessary things and rugby requires an immense amount of discipline. He expressed that it is one of the challenges he has had to face.
“It is easy to be influenced or carried away especially on weekends but with rugby I’ve learnt that discipline is one of the most honoured rules and I have no trouble following that rule,” he said.
Although Mapantsela had his own dreams of becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) he expressed that while playing rugby he will try and pursue his original dream.
“I am good in accounting and would like to be Chartered Accountant. I spoke to one of the sharks guys and he guaranteed that it’s possible to study while playing rugby, however I will first play rugby for a good ten years then pursue my dream,” said Mapantsela.
Sharing a message to his peers the hostel prefect said when the going gets tough, a person needs to be strong and focus on their dreams and that your background does not define your future.