After a triumphant return to the Sharks following his stint with the Junior Boks, prop Phiwayinkosi ‘Rambo’ Kubheka is soaking up wisdom from All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu, part of a high-performance mentorship in Durban aimed at nurturing young talent.
Kubheka is not just looking to imitate Nonu's renowned physical gameplay but is more interested in mastering the mental toughness that has kept Nonu excelling in rugby’s elite ranks.
"The one thing I would ask him about is mindset. People talk about rugby being a physical game, but it’s also deeply mental. I want to understand how he’s been able to keep his mind in equilibrium with his physicality and how he’s consistently maintained that mental sharpness over so many years at the top."
Kubheka’s recent achievements include captaining the Junior Boks in their opening match at the Junior World Championship against Uruguay, a tournament the team eventually won. The victory still feels somewhat surreal to him.
"It feels so surreal. You play to win, and then when you win, in that moment it doesn’t quite feel like you’ve won. But then as time goes by you think, wow, we’ve actually accomplished something this big. It’s breathtaking."
Transitioning back to club rugby, Kubheka is poised to make an impact off the bench for the Sharks XV in their upcoming Currie Cup match against the Stormers XXIII in Cape Town. He credits the intense Junior Boks campaign for refining his physical readiness for such encounters.
"It’s helped me a lot, especially physically," he noted. "Your body gets used to the collisions and you get exposed to the physicality. I think the U20 level is actually quite similar to the Currie Cup in that regard."
Thrilled about his return, Kubheka is eager to contribute to his team's success in the league. "I am looking forward to being back with the Sharks and making a contribution," he conveyed, demonstrating his readiness to tackle the challenges of top-tier rugby.
With the guidance of a seasoned pro like Nonu and the fresh vigor brought by young stars like Kubheka, the Sharks are looking robust as they gear up for their next challenge.
As the team prepares, the blend of experience and youthful zest promises some thrilling rugby action ahead, marking an exciting phase for both Kubheka and the Sharks as they navigate this season's hurdles.
