Thembinkosi Mangwana is prepared to make a big statement in the Rugby Europe Super Cup after committing to join the front row of the Tel Aviv Heat.
Thembi prides himself on his physicality on the field, with a potent blend of solid scrummaging at loose head prop along with mobility and skills in open play. And at 120kg
and pace to burn, Thembi will pose a daunting weapon on attack with ball in hand.
Growing up on a small farm in the Eastern Cape and educated at Kingswood College, Thembi has rugby coursing through his veins. He attributes his rugby development to his school as well as his mentors, both in life and in rugby, chiefly Chris Norton, the Neave family, and, most recently, at the SAS Academy in Stellenbosch, working with Frankie Horne to hone his overall rugby skill set.
Though Thembi has focused his power at loosehead, he is equally efficient at tight head
prop, giving valuable options to The Tel Aviv Heat. And at only 23 years old, he has a lot of
potential to keep elevating his game as he matures.
Thembi has played representative rugby from U16 playing Craven Week for EP Districts, EP
Kings U19 and U21 Currie Cup rugby, and representing Shimlas in the Varsity Cup in 2019.
Thembinkosi on signing with Tel Aviv:
”It's a great privilege to be associated with the Tel Aviv Heat for we have a great opportunity to make history with great people and it's been a tough but good challenging journey leading up to this opportunity...”
Scrum coach Paul Day on Thembinkosi:
”Thembi is an exciting prospect. He is a powerful and explosive scrummager with unique ball handling skills, which will stand him in good stead for the game plan of The Tel Aviv Heat. He has played 10’s which has helped him in terms of his general attacking. I am looking forward to working with his scrumming potential as I believe with some experience he can go all the way...”