Alice, Eastern Cape – Ntyatyambo Mkhafu, the rugby coach at the University of Fort Hare, has a story that is as inspiring as it is compelling. Born in Engcobo and raised in Welkom, Mkhafu’s journey into the world of rugby began at the age of 15 in the township of Thabong. Today, he stands as a beacon of excellence and dedication, shaping the future of rugby at one of South Africa’s most prestigious universities.

Mkhafu’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in a player-centered approach, prioritizing individual development, well-being, and empowerment. His holistic methodology fosters physical, technical, tactical, psychological, and social growth among his players. “My approach to developing players includes long-term athlete development (LTAD) and periodized training for optimal progression,” he explains.

The inspiration to become a rugby coach stemmed from Mkhafu’s own experiences as a player. Growing up in a predominantly white society and facing discrimination and racism on the field, he was determined to create an inclusive environment where all players are treated equally, regardless of their ethnicity or race. “I was never given full attention by coaches, and they catered more to white players. This made me resolve to ensure that all players are treated the same,” he recalls.

Since 2014, Mkhafu has been coaching at the University of Fort Hare, where he employs key techniques to identify and nurture talented players. “First and foremost are physical posture and skills,” he says. His efforts have borne fruit, with several players being selected for Border Rugby and even the Springboks. “It feels great. This shows that my philosophy and methods work well and that I can always create exceptional players,” he proudly states.

Discipline, patience, and mental toughness are the qualities that make these players stand out. Mkhafu prepares his players for the transition to professional rugby by treating all varsity-level training with a professional approach. “Since varsity level is also a semi-professional setup, it makes it easy to implement professionalism among players,” he notes.

A typical training session under Mkhafu’s guidance is meticulously structured. The first 40 to 45 minutes are dedicated to strength and conditioning, followed by dynamic warm-ups, field conditioning, ball skills, set pieces, and finally, defense and attack drills. “We incorporate weight training and gym conditioning in the mornings and field conditioning in the afternoons,” he explains. Despite the lack of advanced technology, Mkhafu utilizes gym equipment, beep tests, and yoyo tests to enhance player performance.

Player well-being and mental health are paramount to Mkhafu, who maintains an open-door policy for his players. “Players can come talk to me at any given time,” he assures. However, coaching is not without its challenges. “The biggest challenges I’ve faced include dealing with undisciplined players and external events that don’t prioritize player wellness,” he admits.

Handling pressure and expectations from fans and administrators is another aspect of Mkhafu’s role. “I stay in my lane and stick to my plan, believing it will succeed,” he says confidently. From past successes and failures, he has learned that failure is a step closer to success and that maintaining hard work is crucial once success is achieved.

Looking ahead, Mkhafu’s goals for the upcoming season are ambitious. “We aim to retain and defend the Varsity Cup trophy and win both the USSA Rugby 10s and 7s,” he declares. He is also excited about the young talent emerging from the program, with several players already making their mark in provincial and national teams.

In the next five years, Mkhafu envisions the University of Fort Hare’s rugby program as a hub for producing black excellence in women’s rugby, contributing significantly to both provincial and national teams. His message to his players is one of dedication and commitment, while he urges fans to continue their unwavering support. “Your support will never go unnoticed,” he promises.

For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Mkhafu’s advice is simple: “Keep working hard, avoid shortcuts, and seek advice from experienced coaches. I am always available to help upcoming coaches and players.”

Readers can stay updated on the team’s progress by following them on Instagram and Facebook under the handle @ufhbabyblues, as well as through USSA Rugby’s Instagram updates.

Ntyatyambo Mkhafu’s journey from a young player facing discrimination to a respected coach at the University of Fort Hare is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence in rugby.