Maphelo Mpondo - Dale Captain

Player Profile

As the FNB Classic Clash with Queen's approaches, Dale captain and outside centre Maphelo Mpondo is a focussed man.

It's the Dale College Reunion weekend and being the last one Maphelo will experience as a student at Dale he is well aware of its significance of this fixture. Having been at Dale College for twelve years it will be extra special as he leads his team out against Queen's College on Saturday in a FNB Classic Clash.

Maphelo Mpondo was born in East London on 12 March 1988. His father and his brothers played rugby, and so naturally he was drawn to the game. Maphelo has been at Dale since Grade One and has played rugby at centre since his junior days, the only exception being last season when he played fullback for the Second XV.

Maphelo has excelled as a leader at Dale and is also a school prefect, or councillor, as they are referred to at Dale. Coach Butch Wiggett has been very happy with his choice of skipper, as Maphelo is well-respected by his peers. Coach Wiggett sees Maphelo's speed and strength as his strengths and is certain Maphelo will represent the Border Schools team this year. Making the Border Schools team will be important for Maphelo as he is looking to dedicate the next few years to rugby. Although the Sharks and the Cheetahs talent scouts have already spotted Maphelo, making Craven Week will certainly boost his hand when it comes to contract negotiations.

Maphelo rates his skills and ability to create space on attack as his strengths. He models his play on New Zealand captain Tana Umaga and admires his unselfish approach to the game. Umaga's ability to read the game and lead from the front are also attractive qualities that Maphelo strives to emulate.

Dale have had a slightly up-and-down season so far and even though they are playing at home they will go in this weekend's FNB Classic Clash as underdogs. They have lost four of their nine games played with a notable win over Selborne away as the highlight thus far. With so many old boys of the school returning to King William's Town this weekend, and all of them expecting a win, Dale and Maphelo Mpondo will be giving their everything to ensure that they add a second notable scalp to their list come Saturday afternoon.

For a preview of the match, click here.