UJ's Mjekevu living the dream
Nineteen-year-old Wandile Mjekevu has all the worries of a regular Law student at the University of Johannesburg. However, he also happens to be a very talented rugby player who, just last weekend, made his Super 14 debut for the Lions.
Having made it through that baptism of fire against the Stormers in Johannesburg, the 2008 SA Schools centre has once again been named in the No.11 shirt ahead of this Friday’s clash with the Chiefs (kick-off 8pm).
“It’s been a long-time dream of mine,” enthuses the Lions prodigy about his Super Rugby experience, “it’s something I’ve dreamt about since I was 13 or 14 years old.”
Looking back at his debut against the Stormers, he adds: “I was nervous, excited – everything, you name it! It’s actually quite tough to describe one’s exact emotions on a day like that, but I think the nerves were there mainly because you never quite know what to expect in 80 minutes of rugby.”
Well, ready or not, Mjekevu certainly did not look out of place last week and he is determined to build on that first outing against the Stormers.
“At this stage I’m not looking beyond the Super 14,” he says. “I’ve been given a tremendous opportunity here and it’s a chance I intend on taking.
“Last year this time I wouldn’t have expected to be playing Super 14 rugby now, so all I can do right now is keep working hard and trying to cement my place in the Lions team.”
At 1,90 metres tall, and tipping the scales at a fairly hefty 87 kilograms, it is sometimes easy to forget just how young Wandile is (he is still eligible for the SA Under-20 team); a danger, perhaps, in this cut-throat world of professional sport.
But this youngster’s feet are firmly on the ground and he points out: “I’m very lucky that I’ve got a very supportive older brother who looks after me and keeps a leash on. He’s 28 years old and he doesn’t let me out of his sight!
“At the same time, [Lions coach] Dick Muir has given me plenty of confidence and having started out on the wing, it also gives me an opportunity to learn all about rugby at this level before, hopefully, one day I will have the opportunity to get a run at centre – which is still my favourite position.”
Aside from the support of his brother and the Lions coaching staff, Mjekevu looks up to the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Michael Schumacher and Lance Armstrong – “all of whom have reached the top in their respective disciplines”, he explains – and he is grateful for the escape that his studies provide, too.
“I’m studying Law at UJ,” he tells in-site.co.za.
“The classes, the assignments… it all keeps me occupied away from the game and it certainly keeps me on my toes – sometimes I’m not sure which is more challenging; rugby or my studies!”
Wandile also relies on his class-mates for some normality and, this past Monday, he was spotted at the University of Johannesburg’s first team rugby fields supporting his mates against the fearsome Maties in the Varsity Cup.
“A lot of my friends play in the Varsity Cup,” he points out, “it was great being able to support them in what is a great competition.”
There is no doubt that Mjekevu’s friends will, in turn, be supporting him come this Friday evening at Coca-Cola Park. And given his positive attitude towards his rugby career, his studies and his friends; it is easy to understand why.
By Howard Kahn
