Ayanda Jam-Jam - captain of Itembelihle

Player Profile

Ayanda Jam-Jam, Itembelihle's star back and captain, is looking forward to the FNB Classic Clash between his school and nearby Ndzondelelo High at Wolfson Stadium.

In 2005 Ndzondelelo won 8-6 - because of Item's mistakes according to Ayanda. This time? "We will beat them - no problem," says Ayanda with a strong voice.

Theo Pieterse, Item's wise coach, says that Ayanda is a star, an excellent player who could go a long way ion rugby - as he believes is possible for flank Zingisa April and hooker Simphiwe January.

Ayanda believes that his team is well balanced, fast and skilful - a better team than the one which lost last year.

Ayanda has been playing rugby since he was 12. Now he is in Grade 12 (matric) and hoping for a career as a mechanical engineer. "If I can get a bursary, I will go to UPE next year," he says.

Last year Ayanda was the vice-captain of the team, taking over the captaincy when Odwa Tinise was injured.

Enjoys being captain? "Yes. My players listen to me. If I tell them to do something, they do it, and if the coach tells them to do something, they do it." And Theo Pieterse has stressed that his team plays disciplined rugby to a gameplan.

Ayanda says: "Being a captain comes from the home. When I listen to my parents, I learn to be a captain."

And that, folk, is a profound thought.