Khwezi Mafu, powerhouse looseforward of the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, has been an influential figure in Hawies Fourie’s side since joining from the Leopards last year.
The 27-year-old journeyman – he has turned out for the Vodacom Bulls, Airlink Pumas, Valke, and Leopards since matriculating from Grey High School in Gqeberha in 2016. Mafu, who also played for the SA Schools side in both his Grade 11 and 12 years, will start at openside flank when the Kavas play the Airlink Pumas in Mbombela in a crucial Carling Currie Cup clash.
Mafu has made a strong impression with the Cavalry (Boland supporters) after making his debut in the SA Cup. He is particularly revered for his powerful runs and bulldozing defence, whilst also being a safe line-out option for the men from Wellington.
“Being back in the starting line-up doesn’t really feel different from coming off the bench. From the very beginning of this Currie Cup campaign, the coaches made it clear that every player has an important role to play – whether you start or come on as an impact player. Last week, my role off the bench was to bring energy in the second half and take advantage of tired legs. This week, my responsibility with the rest of the starters is to set the tone early, establish the standard and put us in a strong position by halftime.”
Looking ahead to the Pumas challenge, Mafu, who forms a back row with Sibusiso Sangweni and captain Thurlow Marsh, expects a fierce contest.
“Facing the Pumas in Mbombela will be tough. They’ve been inconsistent (in the Currie Cup) by their own standards, but they’re still dangerous and will come out firing after some recent results. For us, the mindset doesn’t change – we don’t fear anyone and we respect every opponent while focusing on our own goals. We want to prove that Boland can be competitive both at home and away.”
The former SA Schools star believes the Cavaliers’ campaign is about more than just results. “Our mission is to put Boland rugby on the map. We’ll fight for it, give everything, and whatever happens after 80 minutes, we’ll regroup and keep pushing. With three games to go, nothing is do-or-die yet – it’s about consistency, hard work and belief. This Currie Cup journey is something special, and as a group, we want to make the class of 2025 memorable. We’ve had setbacks, but now it’s about bouncing back and showing what Boland rugby is made of.”
Mafu and the Kavas are set to face the Airlink Pumas at Mobombela Stadium at 17:00 on Friday. The match will be broadcast on SuperSport channel 211 with referee Cwengile Jadezweni taking charge of this fixture.