The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Ixias welcomed the new FNB CUT-Ixias Captain, Luvuyo Ndevu. Born and bred in Kareedouw, a small town in the Eastern Cape, the 23-year-old 3^rd year IT student fell in love with the sport when he was 11 years old and never looked back. He matriculated at Quteniqua High school in George, Western Province, and has been paying for the school as a flanker. Although he maintains that he has tried other sports like soccer, cricket, and golf, his love for rugby remained untainted.

The new captain said he is ready to take the baton from the former captain, Heino Bezuidenhout, whom he said had good leadership skills that he wishes to emulate during his tenure. "I have much respect for Heino and admire his leadership skills. I have learnt so much from him and will continue with his teachings and to always put my team first."

"My role as a flanker was to be a good ball carrier and the guy that tackles hard, but today, I have a bigger responsibility and must lead from the front. I am super excited and feel blessed and humbled by this opportunity. Already, there are lots of capable leaders within my team, and it means the world to me to be the chosen one and have their full support on and off the field."

Luvuyo mentioned that what makes him a great player is his ability to learn, adapt quickly and motivate others. "I am goal-oriented and always eager to improve and succeed in whatever I put my mind onto.  I also think that my ability to make people smile and the way I communicate with other players contributed to where I am today. With the Varsity Cup looming ahead of us, my strategy is simple-dedication, focus, improve every game and win the league."

Asked about his captainship goals, the number 7-flanker said he intends to bring his flanker position attributes (speed, strength, fitness, tackling and handling skills) into life in his leadership role. "I am planning to bring these attributes to life in my reign as a captain and I want to bring the Ixias spark back and make my university and team members proud," he smiled.

His advice to aspiring young rugby players is to always have an open mind, work hard and never stop chasing their dreams, but most importantly, to have fun while doing what they love. "Sport is not only a physical activity but mental as well. Playing sports helps your brain grow and function better."

CUT Ixias coach, Mr Pieter Bergh, described Luvuyo as a very good rugby player with good leadership skills required to lead the team. "Luvuyo is now into his 3rd season and has grown so much as a person and a rugby player since joining CUT. He is loved and respected by all players and I have no doubt that he will do a great job."

The coach also mentioned that what excites him about the CUT rugby team is the diversity. He mentioned that Luvuyo is a great example of someone who worked his way up and deserves this opportunity. He believes that he has the capabilities of taking Ixias to the next level. "I believe that the coach and captain relationship play a huge role in the success of the team, and I am glad to mention that we get along very well. He understands my game strategies and how important a good team culture is to the success of our team. Last year's Varsity Cup ended just as we got into momentum. We were unbeaten in our last three matches played and this gives us a lot of confidence going into this year's competition and we are looking forward to representing CUT well. The only difference this year is that we will miss our loyal and vocal supporters at our home matches but hopefully, they will be watching cheering the team from their home screens."

Bergh further said that although the COVID-19 pandemic did not make things easy for them during the pre-season, he is happy with their progress in preparations for this year's competition. "It has been a very long pre-season and everyone is now tired of just training and we cannot wait to start playing matches now. To ensure safety for all and observe the COVID-19 protocols, we are testing all our players and supporting staff weekly before going into the first bubble, and so far, all is well, the boys are fit and ready to take the cup," he said.

Fact File about Luvuyo Ndevu

• His role model is Ardie Suemalo Savea, Rugby Union flanker.
• His favourite rugby team is the Hurricanes.
• He intends to take his rugby career to a professional level.
• He enjoys the flanker position because he can be everywhere in the field, support other players and score tries.
• He can also play eighth man (no.8)
• He has played other sports like soccer, cricket, and golf.

Caption

Hard tackle from Luvuyo Ndevu, 3^rd year IT student, number 7- flanker and the newly appointed FNB CUT-Ixias Captain at the last rugby game played before COVID-19. He is seen here tackling his opponent from FNB UCT- Ikeys at the FNB Varsity Cup.