Odwa: No secret just a love for rugby

The wing, Ndungana, arrived in Durban in 2005 from the Blue Bulls.

While his twin bother Akhona, remained at the Blue Bulls, Odwa went on to cement himself as a crucial part of the Sharks' setup. 

"I have always been a Sharks supporter," Ndungana said.

"Born in Eastern Cape I always watched them play [giving the affiliation between the two coastal sides during the then Super 12]. Thus, the day I received the call from Kevin Putt, asking if I would join the Sharks – I did not think twice and just jumped at the opportunity.

"Throughout the years I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of lots of successful Sharks steams and if I really had to select a highlight that standout, it has to be the day we won the Currie Cup down in Cape Town. Western Province were unbeaten that [2013] season and it was a pretty special win against all odds,"  

Ndugana has amassed more than 100 Currie Cup and 100 Super Rugby caps, respectively.  And at 36-years-old the evergreen wing still manages to outpace opposition and even scored a try a fortnight ago against Golden Lions in Durban.

"I don’t think there is any secret [to longevity]," Ndugana revealed, adding: "I just never lose the love for the game. What made me enjoy it more is the people around me, the management, the players, coaching and even staff at the stadium.

"Furthermore, a lot of hard work has always made it possible to stay on top of my game and I have been blessed not to have any serious injuries throughout the years,"

This Saturday's Currie Cup match against Western Province will be played as a tribute match to Ndungane in celebration of his career and his invaluable contribution to Sharks rugby.

Having already booked a home-semifinal, Ndugane admits that the Sharks' momentum sets a perfect platform for their 2018 Super Rugby season.

"For us, it’s not just winning, it’s about constantly improving. We already have a home semi-final so it eases the pressure.

"The current talent like Curwin Bosch, Sibusiso Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am and many more means that the future certainly looks bright.

"If we can keep all those guys at the union for as long as possible, with all that potential, I believe a lot of success will follow. If we can go all the way in the Currie Cup, we can take that momentum through into next year’s Super Rugby,"

@rugby365com