Mandisi Tshonti - captain of the Titans at the FNB Super Bowl
Captain profile
The Western Cape Students Invitation team is mainly from the University of the Western Cape, as is Mandisi Tshonti, the Titans' captain.
Mandisi Tshonti is the current number 6 and captain of the Western Cape Invitation XV that is taking on the number one ranked team, Pukke in the opening round of the FNB Super Bowl.
Born in Cradock on 20 January 1978, Mandisi attended Ja Calata High School in Cradock where he played cricket and rotated positions on the rugby field between flank and eighthman. One of four brothers, Mandisi was first one to start playing rugby. Since then his younger brother has picked up the game and has started his tertiary studies at Pentech.
After matriculating, Mandisi moved down to Cape Town and is now in his fifth year of study and in his second year of honours in Sports and Recreation Management. He will either do his Masters next year or venture out into the business world.
Asked about his team's preparations, Mandisi explained how well the team has gelled together, with a solid win over Tygerberg and a narrow loss against a strong Parow NTC. He also realises that his team are seen as underdogs at the Superbowl but is not worried about perceptions. There is a great team spirit and belief amongst his players. Underdogs have nothing to lose and will give it their all. A possible dark horse for the tournament.
