Anele Lungisa from Kariega is destined to make an even bigger impact on South African rugby.
He is a member of the history making Pumas squad, based in Mbombela, which won the Currie Cup for the very first time on 25th June.
Lungisa did not play in the final against Griquas in Kimberley, but the Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse is full of praise for his contribution during the campaign.
Stonehouse is also predicting that the rugby world will soon see and hear more of Lungisa.
“Anele made a huge impact at the Pumas. He played several matches for us.
“At one stage his physicality counted a little bit against us. We worked hard on that in the gym, getting that right.
“Anele is an exceptional rugby player, and he is obviously working hard. He will be on top again, he is a great player,” Stonehouse said.
Stonehouse clearly gives the greenlight to a bit of a gamble that Lungisa, a former Eastern Province player, took.
Lungisa said he had to quit his job at the Department of Water and Sanitation in Gqeberha and take the chance to see whether he could play for the Pumas.
“It didn’t know what was going to happen, but I wanted to give it a shot,” Lungisa said.
“It is one of those difficult decisions one must make but it was a good move, it came off.
“To contribute to the winning of the Currie Cup in the campaign over the last six months is huge for me.”
The Pumas had a now legendary, triumphant bus trip from Kimberley back to Mbombela after the final.
“We visited some spots along the way and in Mbombela a huge crowd welcomed us back. It was special.”
Lungisa is enjoying a bit of a break, relaxing with family and friends in Kariega.
“It have never been away from my family for so long, so it is nice to catch up with them.
“We are off till 25th July, so the hard work will soon resume.”
Lungisa is equally at home as lock or flank. “Yes, it doesn’t matter but I think my style of play suits flank better. The gym work is to gain a bit of weight,” he explained.
Stonehouse is keen to see what Lungisa can produce later in the year and the player knows there will be no place to hide.
“He is a very strict coach but that is a good thing. You know what he expects from you,” Lungisa, ready for the challenge, said.
Many former EP players over the years went on to play for the Pumas and although he is part of history already, Anele Lungisa is ready to take his career to a higher level.
