GEORGE NEWS - The George Herald (GH) spoke with George's own Golden Lions Utility back, Sylvian Mahuza, about his rugby career and his future plans.

GH: How has your journey been, from Outeniqua High School, to Pukke, to Leopards, Southern Kings and now Lions?

SM: It's been quite an interesting one, a journey that changed and influenced me to become the person and player I am today. This journey has taught me different aspects of life you need as an individual to grow. At school I didn't much enjoy playing rugby - or any sport, for that matter. Rugby was like a getaway place because of my environment at home. 

Only when I moved to Pukke (Potchefstroom University), I realized how much fun and amazing the sport was. When playing at senior level for the Leopards and Junior Boks, things changed. I learned more about the fundamentals and strategies of the game. 

The Kings journey actually came at a tough time in my career because I was already training with the Lions in mid- and end season of 2014, but making the decision to go to the Kings was the best one I could have made. And then going back to the Lions obviously made the transition so easy. It's been an extremely blessed journey.

GH: Was it difficult adapting to a new life in the big city of Johannesburg?

SM: It was difficult and I'm still adapting, to be honest, but it didn't affect me mentally. Maybe physically, because of the travelling. I'm used to being in smaller towns or cities such as George, Potchefstroom and Port Elizabeth. So when moving to this massive city I had to become used to roads, safety, where to go when buying groceries etc. It was a big issue for me, because I don't enjoy sitting in traffic for 2 hours, especially if you take the wrong off-ramp. In George the traffic jams would last about 5 minutes. I'm getting better at it every day, and the home cell group I'm with made everything so much easier if things got too tense.

GH: What other position would you like to play besides wing or fullback?

SM: I love playing at fullback the most, but I don't mind playing at outside centre or even fly-half.

I enjoy having the ball in my hands and making decisions and putting other players into space. To be honest, I don't really mind where I play as long as I serve the team and I can contribute in any form.

GH: From the disappointment of the pay issue at the Kings, to playing for the Lions, a top rugby franchise in South Africa...how have the lows and highs been? Please put it into context for us.

SM: The lows of it would obviously be not being able to get our salaries and also not being able to participate on the field for most of my time at the Kings. That was the most disappointing part of the whole move to the Kings. I must add that my time at the Kings really transformed me into the person I am today. It really opened up my eyes and mind to how mental and spiritual challenges could make or break you.

The highs would be the success I had so far at the Lions and how the Lord has blessed me with the super rugby exposure. At the Lions I learned about family and brotherhood and caring for one another. It's so amazing how coach Akkers (Johan Ackermann) has transformed this franchise into a union that serves and honours God in everything we do.

We play to glorify God and inspire nations all over the world and that common goal creates the opportunity for us to be so blessed.

GH: What goals have you set yourself going forward in your career? Is becoming a Bok one of them?

SM: At the end of the 2013 season, I put pen to paper and wrote down everything I want to achieve. So far I have achieved a lot of them through God's grace. It's definitely one of my goals to play at the highest level one day, but at this moment I am where God wants me to be. When playing for the Junior Springboks back in 2013 and just being in that environment, with guys who were already playing at international level, that dream became such a real and reachable goal. So I would love to put on the green and gold, for sure - if it's in God's plan.

GH: Who do you look up to in rugby? Who is your role model?

SM: I loved watching players such as Dan Carter, Matt Giteau and Mils Muliaina when growing up. They were my rugby idols, but I don't have idols anymore. I think as you get older your perspective changes. There are role models in our team that I do look up to, namely Anthony Volmink and Courtnall Skosan.

GH: What is your message for aspiring young rugby players who come from your home town of George?

SM: I would love to send this message to young players who want to become professional players one day: It starts now, when you are young. Create good habits in terms of being disciplined, submitting to authority, developing listening skills, being a coachable player.

It is also important to be able to see room to improve, to be a player who serves others around you and to work hard all the time.

I've learned over the last three years of playing pro that you get challenged so much and easily become disappointed when you're not selected for a game or a squad.

Then, when you realise what you did wrong, it's too late, as someone else had taken your opportunity. Don't lose heart.

Personally I think you should invest in your character, because at this level I can promise you that's how most coaches select their teams.

I want to encourage all young players out there to never underestimate the value and power of their talent, goals and ambitions, no matter their circumstances and environments.

Their lives could change and inspire the next generation and also nations around the world.

ARTICLE: LUZUKO SAMPO, GEORGE HERALD EDITORIAL INTERN

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