With their traditional wedding just weeks behind them, and their white wedding scheduled for November, Sharks wing Odwa Ndungane and his lovely bride Kgomotso Mogatwe have stars in their eyes.
Unsurprisingly. Besides both being truly gorgeous to look at, they exude happiness and contentment, coupled with a winning dose of humility. Like many couples starting off, they’re busy building businesses as they put down roots – and the Ridge is where it’s at.
AF: Tell us about meeting Kgomotso…
Odwa: “I first saw her in a shopping centre in Pretoria – in 2004. She walked past and I thought ‘Oh wow! Nice!’ Next time I saw her I was with a friend, who fortunately knew her, so I got an introduction. She was a student then, and so was my friend, so I sort of had an excuse to visit her on campus the next day, and the next…”
Kgomotso: But he didn’t tell me about the rugby for ages. And suddenly he disappeared – it was the Super 14. I had no idea about rugby then, I don’t think I’d even heard of Super 14. And I think he actually liked it that way!”
AF: And why the Ridge?
Odwa: “I always loved the area because it’s central and relatively safe. I think property in this area offers a good deal for what you pay and is a relatively stable long-term investment. The lifestyle in the area is also happening and attractive.”
AF: Tell us a little about your home?
Odwa: “I have a three bedroom freestanding unit in a well-maintained complex, which suits my lifestyle as a busy sportsman. I don’t want to change too much for now but after our wedding in November, we will be looking for a bigger place.”
The Ridge magazine issue 49: One for the boys.
AF: Now you both have independent businesses, based in this area?
Odwa: “I have a logistics business, based on the Ridge, which I run with my partner Rob da Silva. Blue Phoenix Logistics has two divisions; one is transport and logistics which offers long and short haul road transportation and logistics solutions. The other division, energy, focuses on trading in coal and fuel oil.”
Kgomotso: “I have an IT company, Kay G.Net. Many of my clients are Gauteng based, as that is where I started, but I am currently focusing on developing my KZN clientele as we will now be based in this area.”
AF: Odwa, you were born in umtata and went to school in East London. when did your rugby interests start?
Odwa: My brother and I wanted to be soccer players when we were young – and we’re still both crazy about the sport. Rugby-wise, our father, Zingisa, played club rugby for The Wallabies in Umtata – he was a utility back. His twin brother also played rugby!
Akona and I started off playing on the side of the field with our own ball while he was practising. When we got to Hudson Park High in 1995 we had to choose between rugby and soccer – and so it all began.
AF: Your father must be thrilled…
Odwa: Yes, our “resident coach” still dissects our performances after each match.
AF: You have a background in civil engineering?
Odwa: I studied for a couple of years at the Eastern Cape Technikon but then decided to focus my attention on my professional rugby career, which was in its beginning stages back then. I have since realised that my passion lies elsewhere.
AF: Your thoughts on the sharks going forward?
Odwa: The Sharks have been a consistent team over the last few years, and with its excellent development programme and up-and-coming young talent I think The Sharks will continue to be a dominant force in world rugby. SA rugby, is general, has proven to be the breeding ground of some of the best players in world rugby and should continue to remain at the top.
AF: Going forward what are your plans rugby-wise?
Odwa: I would like to win the Super Rugby trophy with The Sharks and hopefully represent the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup.
AF: And after rugby?
Odwa: I would like to be more involved in my business ventures.
AF: Where do you see yourself settling?
Odwa: I love Durban and I am settled.
AF: What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing rugby?
Odwa: Playing golf and watching soccer – Orlando Pirates and Chelsea.
AF: Three things the public doesn’t know about you?
Odwa: I collect watches, am a huge soccer fan and I’m God fearing.
For more info contact: odwa@bluephoenix.co.za