Ep.9: Tackling Rugby with Kwanda Dimaza – Another Stonehouse Diamond

Tackling Rugby at Octafield

Kwanda shares his inspiring journey in professional rugby, highlighting the importance of resilience and building strong relationships both on and off the field. He discusses his career beginnings in King Williams Town and his transition from the Sharks to the Pumas, emphasizing the need for game time and personal growth. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by players from less privileged backgrounds in the Eastern Cape, underscoring the significance of perseverance and faith in one’s dreams. Kwanda also reflects on the impactful coaching of Jimmy Stonehouse, who plays a crucial role in developing players’ character and skills. The episode concludes with Kwanda’s heartfelt message for young aspiring rugby players: to never give up and always remember their roots while striving for success.

Renaldo and Kwanda engage in a vibrant dialogue that weaves together personal stories, professional insights, and the camaraderie of rugby. Kwanda shares his journey from King Williams Town, where he began playing at Dale College, to his time with the Sharks and ultimately joining the Pumas. He recounts his challenges in breaking into the rugby scene, particularly emphasizing the fierce competition in the Eastern Cape, where talent often goes unnoticed. The importance of building relationships within a team is a recurring theme, with Renaldo highlighting how friendships forged on and off the field can significantly impact performance and morale. This episode delves into the essence of teamwork and the human connections that underpin athletic success, illustrating how a strong bond among players can create a resilient unit capable of overcoming adversities.

The conversation takes a reflective turn as both guests discuss the pivotal role of coaches, particularly Jimmy Stonehouse, in shaping their careers. Renaldo paints a vivid picture of Coach Jimmy's tough yet nurturing coaching style, which not only develops players' skills but also instils a robust team spirit and character. The discussion moves towards the realities of life as a professional athlete, with Kwanda candidly sharing his toughest moments, including a challenging period in 2020 when he struggled for game time. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, family support, and maintaining a positive outlook, regardless of the setbacks faced. This heartfelt segment resonates with anyone who has faced challenges in their path, offering a message of hope and perseverance in the pursuit of dreams.

As the episode unfolds, Kwanda's aspirations beyond rugby come into focus, revealing his commitment to education and personal development. He discusses his ongoing studies in sports science and his ambitions to transition into coaching, underscoring the significance of having a 'Plan B' for life after rugby. This perspective is particularly valuable for younger players who often overlook the importance of education amidst their athletic pursuits. Kwanda's message is clear: success in sports should be complemented with educational growth, as injuries and career uncertainties can happen at any moment. The episode concludes with an encouraging note directed at aspiring rugby players from less privileged backgrounds, urging them to remain steadfast in their dreams and never lose sight of their goals. Ronaldo's legacy, as he hopes to be remembered, is one of positivity, resilience, and a deep connection to the sport and its community.

Takeaways:

• Building strong friendships on and off the field is essential for team unity.
• Rugby careers are filled with ups and downs, and resilience is key to pushing through tough times.
• Education is crucial for young players, as rugby careers can be short-lived and unpredictable.
• Having a strong support system, including family and coaches, can help players through challenging periods in their careers.
• Never give up on your dreams; perseverance and faith in oneself can lead to success.
• Coaches like Jimmy Stonehouse play a significant role in developing players and building character.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Sharks
• Pumas