Captain's Profile: Lukhanyo Mashalaba

Ndzondelelo has had a strong season, with their only defeat coming in the final of the Mali tournament, but the boys from Zwide aren't expecting a walkover against their New Brighton counterparts.

"They might come at us stronger and they might retaliate from the previous defeat, but we’re ready for any challenge they might pose," said the 17-year-old skipper.

Mashalaba believes the make-up of Friday's team will give them the edge as the outfit have come through the school ranks together and have experience playing as a team.

"We’re a younger team, mostly Under-18s," he explained.

"We have played together from the lower divisions, so we know each other very well and we play well together."

The outside centre has played 18 games for the first team and believes that their winning streak can be attributed to their team cohesion and always advises his charges to play for the team.

"I always say that we should play together as a team not as individuals," he said.

Mashalaba, who highlighted his first-team selection at a young age as one of his milestones, strives to set an example to his teammates as he wears the captaincy armband.

“I live by the philosophy of always leading from the front when we are on the field,” said Mashalaba.

“It’s an honour to have the captaincy bestowed upon me and I appreciate the trust displayed in choosing me.”

Mashalaba, who is in his final year of high school, is also said that he was proud of his leadership abilities.

“I have the ability to influence people to follow my vision, that’s how I lead,” he said.

The young leader also shared his goal of attending university and playing representative rugby in the near future.

“I want go to university and I want to play in the Varsity Cup very soon,” said Mashalaba.

“I also want to represent a franchise when I finish school.”