Glenwood captain Nama Xaba says Maritzburg College will pose a threat on the ground during the Mutual & Federal Premier Interschools clash at Kings Park on Saturday.
Glenwood had mixed results at the recent Kearsney Easter Festival, beating Framesby 31-0 before losing 22-11 to Middelburg and 23-19 to Menlopark. Xaba played an influential role for his team as a leader and as a flank, carrying the ball well and making numerous tackles.
The Green Machine now take on KwaZulu-Natal rivals Maritzburg, who beat Grey High (20-16), St Alban's (33-16) and a Schoonspruit Invitational XV (78-0) at the St Stithians Easter Festival.
'While they don't have a big pack, they are deadly at the breakdown,' Xaba told SARugbymag.co.za. 'They also have a very good back-three with the ability to devastate our defence.
'Saturday is an exciting day for myself and the school,' he adds. 'It will be my biggest game as I've never played at Kings Park before and it's one of the school's biggest games of the season.'
Xaba, who is also Glenwood's head boy, says he tends to lead by example on the rugby field.
'I'm not very vocal, but the guys know I will always take one for the team. Being the head boy makes me a better leader, and I enjoy captaining the rugby team, while also focusing on my academics.'
Xaba has been among the school's top 10 academic achievers since grade eight, receiving honours for academics in 2014, and hopes to study law.
As far as rugby is concerned, his short-term goals are to play for KwaZulu-Natal at the U18 Craven Week and for SA Schools, and secure a provincial contract.
Xaba represented KZN at the U16 Grant Khomo Week in 2013.
