Episode 10
Ep.10: Tackling Rugby with Lizo Gqoboka – Injuries, Faith, and the Road to the Springboks
Lizo Gqoboka shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in the Eastern Cape to becoming a professional rugby player and Springbok representative. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of access to rugby during his childhood and the struggle of injuries later in his career, Lizo emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith in achieving one's dreams. He discusses the need for greater support and exposure for young talent in South Africa, particularly in underserved areas like the Eastern Cape. Through his foundation, he aims to uplift and provide opportunities for aspiring athletes, highlighting that success is not just about sports but also about education and character development. The conversation reveals Lizo's deep commitment to his faith, family, and the legacy he wishes to leave behind, showcasing the profound impact he hopes to have on future generations.
Lizo Gqoboka shares an inspiring and deeply personal journey through the world of rugby, highlighting the challenges he faced growing up in the rural Eastern Cape of South Africa. His story begins in a place where rugby was virtually unknown, yet his resolve to succeed led him to a career that many only dream of. From humble beginnings—where he attended school under a tree and worked hard at a young age to support his family—Lizo's path to professional rugby was paved with determination and faith. He emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship, which played crucial roles in his development both on and off the field. Lizo's transition from local clubs to the EP Kings and eventually to the Bulls and Stormers showcases not only his athletic prowess but also his unwavering belief in his dreams. He highlights how faith and gratitude have been his anchors during times of adversity, especially when injuries threatened his career. This episode not only celebrates his achievements but also seeks to inspire the younger generation to pursue their passions relentlessly, reminding them that success is often a result of hard work, dedication, and the support of those around them.
Takeaways:
- Lizo Gqoboka emphasizes the importance of giving opportunities to underprivileged youth in rugby.
- He reflects on his challenging journey from rural areas to professional rugby success.
- The role of faith and gratitude in overcoming setbacks and injuries is vital.
- Lizo highlights the need for mentorship and support systems in sports careers.
- He shares insights on the necessity of hard work, discipline, and being teachable.
- Lizo discusses the significance of community and legacy beyond one's playing career.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Bulls
- Stormers
- EP Kings
- Octafield
- Collegians
Transcript
And this lady is introducing me to the other lady, and she says, this is the one that plays rugby.
Lizo Kopoka:And this lady says, what is rugby?
Lizo Kopoka:I mean, that's where we've won the World Cup.
Lizo Kopoka: , we've won the World Cup: Lizo Kopoka:But there are still people in South Africa that don't know what rugby is.
Ronaldo:Good day, guys.
Ronaldo:Welcome to today's episode.
Ronaldo:Today we've got Lizzo here, former teammate of myself.
Ronaldo:So, yeah, Lizo, welcome to the episode.
Ronaldo:It's nice to have you on here.
Ronaldo:So if you could maybe just introduce yourself to the guys that might not know you and just kind of where you currently playing rugby.
Lizo Kopoka:Fantastic man.
Lizo Kopoka:Ronaldo, thank you so much, brother, for having me in this episode.
Lizo Kopoka:And I just want to say well done and congratulations on the courage you have pushing your own businesses.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean, since you're playing days, and I thought that was very wise.
Lizo Kopoka:And a lot of us other youngsters can learn a lot from you.
Lizo Kopoka:And yeah, just well done on that courage and congratulations.
Lizo Kopoka:So basically, my name is Lizard Kopoka.
Lizo Kopoka:I am a Christian, I am a soul winner for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and I'm a disciple maker and I do play rugby.
Lizo Kopoka:You know, a couple of businesses that I'm involved in, you know, grows in that area as well.
Lizo Kopoka:And I think one of the most beautiful things about my life is my family.
Lizo Kopoka:My wife, Omila Kopoka, been married seven years.
Lizo Kopoka:So grateful to God.
Lizo Kopoka:I have three boys, Inati, whose birthday is today.
Lizo Kopoka:So congratulations.
Lizo Kopoka:So grateful.
Lizo Kopoka:Thank you.
Lizo Kopoka:Grateful to God.
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah.
Lizo Kopoka:I come from Mount Frey in the Eastern Cape.
Lizo Kopoka:It's in the rural areas.
Lizo Kopoka:I grew up there and yeah.
Lizo Kopoka:But I played for the Bulls for eight years.
Lizo Kopoka:But before that, actually EP Kings for five years.
Lizo Kopoka: Then: Lizo Kopoka:I played there to where we played together.
Lizo Kopoka:And now I'm at the Stormers in Cape Town.
Ronaldo:Yeah, great man.
Ronaldo:And I mean, just you just touched on it quickly.
Ronaldo:You come from the Eastern Cape, obviously, and that's also one of the things that we like to discuss about the rugby journeys and our guys got there.
Ronaldo:I think today's conversation, I want to focus a bit more kind of outside of the rugby.
Ronaldo:You also obviously getting a bit older and going to the end of your career.
Ronaldo:But if you can give us a quick overview of just your journ journey.
Ronaldo:I mean, was it an easy journey for you to get into professional rugby?
Ronaldo:Did you have to fight very hard to get into a position to obviously get to the Bulls?
Ronaldo:What was your journey like to become a professional rugby player.
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah, I, I always believe when God places you at a certain, as a, at a certain place where you are born, you are there as a potential solution in your society, in your family, you know, of breaking new grounds and, you know, achieve things that have never been achieved.
Lizo Kopoka:Growing up in the rural areas, I didn't have a privilege of dreaming to play rugby because we didn't have rugby.
Lizo Kopoka:I played rugby till I was 18 years.
Lizo Kopoka:I played, sorry, soccer till I was 18 years.
Lizo Kopoka:So rugby was never a thing.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean, there's still no rugby where I come from, even at this day.
Lizo Kopoka:Besides the stuff that I do through my foundation, the topographer foundation.
Lizo Kopoka:So I grew up just to paint a picture.
Lizo Kopoka:I went to school, primary school, under a tree.
Lizo Kopoka:We didn't have a structure, we didn't have a building, you know, that for classes we only had one.
Lizo Kopoka:It's a flat one, it's a one room that was not big where the teachers would go.
Lizo Kopoka:Then the classes go to different trees outside and if it's raining, we don't go to school.
Lizo Kopoka:And you know, the older kids would go to other villages that had the structures and the schools.
Lizo Kopoka:So they would walk.
Lizo Kopoka:My sister walked over 10km to school, you know, and back every day.
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah.
Lizo Kopoka:So at the age of 14, I was working loading TR trucks with sand for 10 rands a load.
Lizo Kopoka:And back in the days they didn't have the tipper truck.
Lizo Kopoka:So you load the trucks with sand and offload them, you know, for 10 rands and by matrix, I was working at a funeral parlor, no timber funeral parlor in Davangulu.
Lizo Kopoka:It's still there till this day.
Lizo Kopoka:I always go say hi every time I go home.
Ronaldo:Well, that's why you feel strong.
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah.
Lizo Kopoka:100.
Lizo Kopoka:It's crazy.
Lizo Kopoka:If I can tell you a story, one day on a Saturday, I'm wearing a suit, you know, and I'm just opening.
Lizo Kopoka:In our culture, you open the casket for the close family members to come see their loved ones for the last time.
Lizo Kopoka:And I'm busy preparing, opening that.
Lizo Kopoka:Then I saw my teacher standing up.
Lizo Kopoka:She was also a close relative, you know, and she was so shocked to see me.
Lizo Kopoka:And I was shocked to see her as well because on a Friday day before I was in her class and now I'm working a funeral parlor on a Saturday.
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah.
Lizo Kopoka:So basically from there I went to Durban to study.
Lizo Kopoka: s management and graduated in: Lizo Kopoka:And then I started playing rugby for a local club called Queensberra Club.
Lizo Kopoka:Then I went to Collegians.
Lizo Kopoka:Because my friends said I must go there.
Lizo Kopoka:They said, it's a better club, we must all go there.
Lizo Kopoka:So we went, yes.
Lizo Kopoka:Then I went to the E.P.
Lizo Kopoka:kings.
Lizo Kopoka:It's a long story, but how I went to the EP Kings is I was playing club rugby and there's a guy I was playing for the Sharks, I think they were called Verdabist, if I'm pronouncing it right, back then, and his name was Charles Ndaweni and he played for Mbangen.
Lizo Kopoka:So at the Sharks, if you are not involved on the weekend, you would be released to play club, you know.
Lizo Kopoka:So I played against him.
Lizo Kopoka:He was a captain there.
Lizo Kopoka:And after the game he said, hey, Lizo, you're so talented, bro.
Lizo Kopoka:Who are you?
Lizo Kopoka:Where you come from?
Lizo Kopoka:And I tell him, and he said, how about you look at Border Bulldogs, swd, EP Kings, those team in the first division, because these big unions, they want someone who is almost ready.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean, for you, it's just raw talent, you know, because you could see that I don't have understanding of rugby.
Lizo Kopoka:I'm still learning.
Lizo Kopoka:So that's where now I started making calls to the EP Kings and phoning them, asking them to if I can, I could come for a trial, you know.
Lizo Kopoka:And they said, no, you can't just call and say, come for a try.
Lizo Kopoka:It doesn't work like that, you know.
Lizo Kopoka:But I just kept on calling.
Lizo Kopoka:They said, send us videos of yourself playing.
Lizo Kopoka:I said, no, I don't have any video.
Lizo Kopoka:I'm playing club rugby.
Lizo Kopoka:They say, which school did you go to?
Lizo Kopoka:I said, I went to Ndabankulu High School.
Lizo Kopoka:They said, where is that?
Lizo Kopoka:So it was not working out.
Lizo Kopoka:But after three weeks of calling them almost every day, four times a week or three times a week, they said, now you're just too persistent.
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah, just come.
Lizo Kopoka:So that's the favor of God.
Lizo Kopoka:So that's how everything started then.
Lizo Kopoka: ive years, moved to the Bulls: Ronaldo:Yeah, I mean, wow, that's.
Ronaldo:That's an unbelievable story.
Ronaldo:And I mean, I think that's what make it special for me, obviously, to talk to you today, because I know your journey was.
Ronaldo:Was a bit different.
Ronaldo:And I mean, every time we have those conversations with all of the guys that's currently playing or that's the end of their careers, each guy has got their own individual story of how they obviously got there.
Ronaldo:And I think some of the guys that we've spoken to, it seems that the Eastern Province is a very, very untapped market.
Ronaldo:I Think for raw talent, I mean, what do you think we can do differently to look after those guys or get more talent?
Ronaldo:I know with Octofield we obviously working on a new platform that we're going to obviously scout younger players, are going to go across South Africa and test players and get some sort of database going where we can identify some raw talent, especially in the Eastern Cape, because I feel there's, there's a lot of talent there.
Ronaldo:So what do you think we can do differently as, as obviously ex players or current players or even if you look at the, the whole of South African rugby, what can we do to kind of uplift the, the rugby and the communities in, in the Eastern Cape?
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah, I think we have a massive, a massive role to play.
Lizo Kopoka:You know, I always believe that there's no way God placed us here only for ourselves and our, you know, immediate family, two kids and that's it.
Lizo Kopoka:You know, there's a bigger purpose, you know, and that's the legacy I want to live.
Lizo Kopoka:It's in people, you know, changing people's lives.
Lizo Kopoka:And that's why I started a foundation and giving someone an opportunity, believing in someone because I mean someone gave me an opportunity.
Lizo Kopoka:Someone believed in me.
Ronaldo:Yeah.
Lizo Kopoka:And that's why I could achieve the things that I have achieved.
Lizo Kopoka:You know, I'm not a man made man.
Lizo Kopoka:I'm not a self made man, you know, so I stand on the shoulders of people that pray for me, that supported me.
Lizo Kopoka:So I think really the more people like Octafeld now that are intentional about go finding the talent, give opportunity, be patient, understand that these people don't even dream about becoming a Springbok or playing for the Stormers because we don't know, maybe some of them what it is.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean, it's crazy.
Lizo Kopoka: When I went home: Lizo Kopoka:And this lady says, what is rugby?
Lizo Kopoka: where we've won the World Cup: Lizo Kopoka: ,: Lizo Kopoka:But there are still people in South Africa that don't know what rugby is.
Lizo Kopoka: w, we only got electricity in: Lizo Kopoka:It's crazy.
Lizo Kopoka:So there is talent.
Lizo Kopoka:There's no way it's only liso that is talented in the rural areas.
Lizo Kopoka:But we have a responsibility to go out there and find them, give opportunity, you know, and I'm doing that through the Koboga Foundation.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean, I have two graduates already in the foundation, you know, so it's not only about sports, you know, that's important, but also education for me is massive.
Lizo Kopoka:So, yeah, also got soccer guys that are studying in the School of Excellence in Jobek that we gave opportunity from the rural areas.
Lizo Kopoka:They talented in soccer, then we gave them opportunity.
Lizo Kopoka:So I think, yeah, talent is vast there.
Lizo Kopoka:We just need to be intentional and go find it.
Ronaldo:Yeah, yeah, I mean, I agree.
Ronaldo:I think what you mentioned earlier, I think my last four or five years that I obviously went through was stuff on.
Ronaldo:On everything that was in my life.
Ronaldo:And I think God also put it on my kind of plate now to go and leave a legacy and make changes in South Africa.
Ronaldo:Because I think there's such a big opportunity and I don't think there's enough that's being done to get all of these things in place.
Ronaldo:And that's why I think what we've built with Octofield and what we are building is going to be an absolute game changer in South African sport and giving all of the kids in South Africa the opportunity to become a Springbok or to become a professional acne player.
Ronaldo:It doesn't matter in which school you are, where you came from, if you have parents, if you don't have parents, if you have support, if you don't have support.
Ronaldo:I want to create a community where people can come together and they can feel united.
Ronaldo:And even after rugby, I think for me, I didn't have anything after I stopped playing rugby and I had to go through all of my stuff that I've gone through.
Ronaldo:And I think we, as a bunch of guys that played together, I mean, we shared the field, we shared days together, we shared weeks, months, years, years.
Ronaldo:And together.
Ronaldo:And then after you play rap, stop playing rugby, you don't really connect so much.
Ronaldo:I think that's kind of what we're trying to achieve with Octo Field and obviously trying to build that and just leaving a legacy behind that can be a sustainable thing.
Ronaldo:I think it's always good to be a legacy.
Ronaldo:I mean, if you look at what Eben's obviously achieved and Sian, those guys, they definitely left a massive legacy.
Ronaldo:But I think guys, us who maybe didn't get it to that point or reach some of those goals, I think we can also contribute towards what those guys are all doing at the moment in South Africa.
Lizo Kopoka:No, that's fantastic, man.
Lizo Kopoka:That's why what Octaforld is doing is fantastic.
Lizo Kopoka:Because I think One of the biggest things is exposure, you know, and these guys need exposure.
Lizo Kopoka:Even if, you know, what I've done as well in the past is just take these kids and bring them to these big towns just for a week or three days or whatever it is.
Lizo Kopoka:They must see the stadium.
Lizo Kopoka:They must see how a gym looks like.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean, I didn't have gym back home.
Lizo Kopoka:Every time I'm on holiday, I couldn't gym, you know, so just.
Lizo Kopoka:That just opens up your mind.
Lizo Kopoka:It enlightens you, you know, that's why when I trick this one boy ambassador that's in Jobic, you know, I was like, I hope he makes it in soccer, but even if he doesn't make it in soccer, but the fact that he's in a big city, there's other opportunities, you know, his mind is enlightened.
Lizo Kopoka:He knows stuff.
Lizo Kopoka:You know, I mean, the first time I had a pizza and.
Lizo Kopoka:Or a burger, people laugh at me, is when I was in varsity.
Lizo Kopoka:I didn't even know those things existed, you know?
Lizo Kopoka:So what Octofold is planning to do is massive, bruh.
Lizo Kopoka:And I really encourage you do it because it's fantastic and a lot of people need it.
Ronaldo:Yeah, no, thanks, man.
Ronaldo:And then obviously, let's move on.
Ronaldo:Let's talk about you.
Ronaldo:Let's talk about your career.
Ronaldo:I mean, you.
Ronaldo:You obviously played at the Bulls for a long time, and then you.
Ronaldo:You made a move to the Stormers, which I found.
Ronaldo:Which I found odd at the time.
Ronaldo:So what was the reasoning for you to move down to the Stormers?
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah, I mean, sure, Bulls is an amazing club, and I was so privileged to play there for eight years.
Lizo Kopoka:Massive honor, great people, great supporters, you know, but I really was time for change for my family.
Lizo Kopoka:And I, you know, I wasn't playing as much.
Lizo Kopoka:I was getting a lot of injuries as well.
Lizo Kopoka:So, yeah, that's.
Lizo Kopoka:We really prayed about it and we had, you know, peace about coming down to Cape Town because they were also interested.
Lizo Kopoka:So that's how we made the move, you know, and we have so much peace about it.
Lizo Kopoka:We are loving it.
Lizo Kopoka:They back me.
Lizo Kopoka:It's just been unfortunate with the injuries.
Lizo Kopoka:It's really been tough.
Lizo Kopoka:I've had, like, back to back injuries.
Lizo Kopoka:It's over a year now.
Lizo Kopoka:I haven't played, you know, but I won't be despondent, you know, I won't be without hope.
Lizo Kopoka:We're just talking with my wife and what we said is, we must never forget what the Lord has done for us, you know, when we.
Lizo Kopoka:When our character is Being shaped and molded and our faith is getting tested.
Lizo Kopoka:Let's remember that.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean, working at the funeral parlor at 17 years, loading trucks with sin, God has put us far beyond what you've dreamt of or imagined or even prayed for.
Lizo Kopoka:So here I didn't have that privilege.
Lizo Kopoka:So now I mustn't, because I'm tested for two, three years through injuries and other stuff, now become despondent and not see any goodness in life or goodness about God.
Lizo Kopoka:So we're just so intentional about gratitude.
Lizo Kopoka:I'm still thankful that out of millions of men in South Africa, I'm part of the 50 players, or 55 players, senior players that are contributed.
Lizo Kopoka:It's a massive honor and a privilege.
Lizo Kopoka:So I think that's where.
Lizo Kopoka:Where my eyes are fixed and where the poster or condition of my heart is Gratitude.
Ronaldo:Yeah, that's good.
Ronaldo:And I mean just on that as well.
Ronaldo:You've obviously been involved with the Springboks for a number of games and a couple of years.
Ronaldo:So, I mean, what was your experience like that first time when you got the call up to represent South Africa to go and play for the Springboks and put on the green and gold jersey?
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah.
Lizo Kopoka:Amazing.
Lizo Kopoka:It's difficult to put it into words, the feeling.
Lizo Kopoka:But let me take you back.
Lizo Kopoka:When I was playing for the EP Kings, I think I was 22, and I said, I'm going to become a Springbok.
Lizo Kopoka:I'm going to become a Springbok.
Lizo Kopoka:And some of the guys were like, hey, this guy is dreaming, man.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean, one of the guys told me, I think about a few years ago, that they used to laugh at me behind my back because it didn't make sense what I was saying because I was not even starting at the EP Kings.
Lizo Kopoka:I was not even playing because Yaku Engels was there.
Lizo Kopoka:A lot of senior players was there.
Lizo Kopoka:And here I am playing EP Kings.
Lizo Kopoka:Didn't have super rugby when I said that, you know, but I had that dream and I chased it.
Lizo Kopoka:It didn't happen.
Lizo Kopoka: ,: Lizo Kopoka: ght years later, you know, in: Lizo Kopoka:And I remember a friend of mine, Milo Ngo, who played for Springboks Sevens, gave me a Springboks.
Lizo Kopoka:I can't remember if it was a T shirt or pants.
Lizo Kopoka:And I said to him, yo, I appreciate it, bro, thank you so much, but I will end it.
Lizo Kopoka: d that was my belief that was: Lizo Kopoka:You know, that's how much conviction I had about achieving and becoming a Springbok.
Lizo Kopoka: know, I got my first call to: Lizo Kopoka:You know, these legends won World cup and British and Irish Lions.
Lizo Kopoka:It was beautiful.
Lizo Kopoka:Nice environment then, always been there.
Lizo Kopoka: camps from: Lizo Kopoka: I only made my debut: Lizo Kopoka:And every year I'm in the squad, but I'm not getting picked, you know, so it was tough.
Lizo Kopoka:But then Coach Rassi took over and, yeah, he gave me an opportunity.
Lizo Kopoka:Opportunity.
Lizo Kopoka:And I'm forever grateful, really.
Lizo Kopoka:And it's so beautiful to see what we are achieving as a Springboks and South Africa.
Ronaldo:Yeah.
Ronaldo:And I mean, to obviously stay or to become a Springbok is a challenge on its own.
Ronaldo:And obviously staying there and getting picked every week, in and out, every year is obviously even more difficult.
Ronaldo:So.
Ronaldo:And I think those are obviously the times that shape you as a person, as a man, as a husband, or it builds up resilience.
Ronaldo:It makes you a better character.
Ronaldo:So, I mean, how did you deal with not getting picked, being in the side?
Ronaldo:I know you obviously have big Christian faith and that's obviously one of the biggest things that probably pulled you through that, but how do you cope with that disappointment every time?
Ronaldo:Because there's a lot of people that might listen to this that are pursuing a career in rugby or they want to become a professional rugby player.
Ronaldo:Everyone wants to become a Springbok that obviously plays rugby.
Ronaldo:So what did you do in that times to.
Ronaldo:To cope and just to kind of.
Ronaldo:Kind of keep focused and keep your eyes on the price that you have set for yourself.
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah.
Lizo Kopoka:Thank you.
Lizo Kopoka:I think one thing is doing the word of God.
Lizo Kopoka:You know, do the word of God.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean, there's a verse that I was just reading now in James, chapter one, verse two, and says, count it all joy, my brothers and sisters.
Lizo Kopoka:When you go through, you know, these various trials, it's not one trial, it's various.
Lizo Kopoka:It's many different trials that we go through, you know, but when you know, and you read the word, you know that you expect it because it's promised that you Argo.
Lizo Kopoka:No one is immune to it.
Lizo Kopoka:No one is exempt, you know, so you get what I did is I've always been fortunate enough to anchor myself in the word of God and have an intimate relationship with God where, you know, when things don't go my way or when things go my way.
Lizo Kopoka:I am not moved, you know, in character, because rugby is what we do, but not who we are.
Ronaldo:Yeah.
Lizo Kopoka:You know, and many a times work at what we do, but we never work in who we are, in our character.
Lizo Kopoka:So.
Lizo Kopoka:And I think doing the word of God and secondly, the support around me, the people around me, my parents, my wife, my boys, my surroundings.
Lizo Kopoka:You know, there's a verse in the Bible that says bad company corrupts good character.
Lizo Kopoka:So I think we need to be very intentional about the people that are around us.
Lizo Kopoka:What are they speaking in good times?
Lizo Kopoka:What are they speaking, what are they saying in bad times?
Lizo Kopoka:Because that can take you really down a bad path.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean, maybe to drugs or steroids, because you want to go back there or you want to be there, you want to make it, or you can you abuse alcohol and stuff like that.
Lizo Kopoka:So I've been fortunate enough to have prayerful people around me.
Lizo Kopoka:Solid, solid people, you know, that can say no to me.
Lizo Kopoka:And I listen, you know, and so I'm grateful for that.
Ronaldo:Okay.
Ronaldo:And I mean, if you could give advice to the younger kids, what's the best advice that you would give to someone that's trying to make a career out of rugby?
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah, I'd say dream big.
Lizo Kopoka:You know, they say successive clues.
Lizo Kopoka:You know, I would say there are things that can give you a chance to make it, which is the discipline, how hard you work, being teachable.
Lizo Kopoka:And, you know, I think that's one of the things that my parents taught me is be teachable, be hungry for knowledge, you know, and I went for that.
Lizo Kopoka:I was always asking questions.
Lizo Kopoka:I always wanted to be better.
Lizo Kopoka:I'm the one that always went to the coaches and hey, what can I do better here?
Lizo Kopoka:What do you think of my defense and attack?
Lizo Kopoka:So you need to be hungry, you need to, to take.
Lizo Kopoka:They don't want to be spoon fed.
Lizo Kopoka:Go there.
Lizo Kopoka:You're the one that wants to become something, so go get it.
Lizo Kopoka:Go.
Lizo Kopoka:Want the information, get mentors, you know, train hard and get the advice, you know, but another thing is prayer, you know, because when you know what plans God has for you, then you are aligned with his plans.
Lizo Kopoka:You are aligned with his purpose for your life.
Lizo Kopoka:But if we don't know God and don't have a relationship, then how can we know his blessings plan?
Lizo Kopoka:If we don't have a relationship, you know, then we miss the mark.
Lizo Kopoka:So I always say work hard, be disciplined, sacrifice, be teachable, you know, but it's a lot of things Character as well because you can be talented but people can't work with you.
Lizo Kopoka:You're arrogant, you pride, everything is about you.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean you can get there but you won't even last a year or two years.
Lizo Kopoka:So that's why I'm always develop yourself as well in rugby and outside rugby.
Ronaldo:Yeah, yeah.
Ronaldo:And I think I actually saw something last night actually on, on one of these when I was scrolling on social media I saw a speech that Rassie made.
Ronaldo:I don't know when it was because I saw John Luke and him was still in the room.
Ronaldo:So I think it was quite a long time ago and he kind of went through the different phases of you obviously becoming a Springbok and then you get that feelings of success and then obviously you get that self entitlement type of feeling and then how you deal with that self entitlement and then obviously we all are human and it always is nice to feel that way.
Ronaldo:And I mean I can remember from, I mean I played for Namibia, which is obviously not the Springboks, but for me as well.
Ronaldo:Like I also felt that but of entitlement at some stages in my career.
Ronaldo:And if I look back I think I could have done a lot of things differently and I could have maybe made more changes in people's lives.
Ronaldo:But I mean I think we learn from that takings and that makes us stronger and then later in our careers or lives we can do stuff like this and have these conversations and hopefully kids and people can learn from the mistakes that we've made in our careers.
Ronaldo:And then just lastly for you in the season, I mean where are you with your injury and how long are you currently still contracted with Thomas?
Ronaldo:And do you have, what's the, what's, what's next?
Ronaldo:What are you going to do after you finish playing rugby?
Ronaldo:Is this your last season?
Ronaldo:Do you continue on to play?
Ronaldo:What's the plans?
Lizo Kopoka:I tore my Achilles in the car cup.
Lizo Kopoka:So that's a long one.
Lizo Kopoka:Nine months.
Lizo Kopoka:Months or more.
Lizo Kopoka:So I'm expected to be back in April or if it takes nine months, if it takes a year, then everything is done, you know.
Lizo Kopoka:But I've still contracted here for another two years.
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah, so I'm, I'm still gonna come back and play, you know, but I am doing other things on the side.
Lizo Kopoka:I've been doing them for years anyway.
Lizo Kopoka:Property, a bit of farming, you know, other businesses on the side.
Lizo Kopoka:So that's why I always encourage people to develop yourself, you know, do other things as well.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean not even if you're not making money at the moment.
Lizo Kopoka:But yeah, you are learning, looking up some skills so you're equipping yourself for later, you know.
Lizo Kopoka:And I do full time ministry at 3C, you know.
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah.
Lizo Kopoka:So earlier this year I was a youth pastor and now we're really pushing ministry and I know the calling upon my life, I mean university, me and a friend of mine, we started the student Christian organization where we ran like proper church, you know, every Wednesday.
Lizo Kopoka:Sharing the word and getting saved and that's still going to be priority but obviously other businesses as well going forward.
Ronaldo:No.
Ronaldo:Great.
Ronaldo:I mean, I'm not even going to ask you what legacy you want to leave behind because I think just listening to obviously what you've been saying, I think you are already on the right path and I think people can obviously clearly hear the legacy that you want to leave behind after you stop playing.
Ronaldo:So, yeah, I mean, Liesel, thanks for joining us today.
Ronaldo:We try to keep the episodes as short as possible not to make people board.
Ronaldo:So I think we always try to get, get the most important out of the conversation.
Ronaldo:So thanks for joining us today and it was good talking to you and I hope your injury heals quickly and that you'll be back on the field quite soon.
Ronaldo:And then, yeah, you never know, might be wearing the green and gold again for another couple of games before you obviously go on to your next path.
Lizo Kopoka:Thank you so much, brother.
Lizo Kopoka:Thank you for having me.
Lizo Kopoka:And I'm really sorry about your injury but I know God is in control and I mean was such a massive honor to play with you.
Lizo Kopoka:Great human, hard worker.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean one of the hardest players to play the game.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean the way you would sprint out like cringing to contact, that just shows your heart, you know, how brave you are.
Lizo Kopoka:And I mean it didn't end, it's not going to end on the rugby field.
Lizo Kopoka:You are brave.
Lizo Kopoka:You're starting things.
Lizo Kopoka:I mean you just told us Octifold the plans you have.
Lizo Kopoka:Amazing.
Lizo Kopoka:And that bravery, that courage that you always have is going to carry you for the rest of your life.
Lizo Kopoka:And God is with you, man.
Lizo Kopoka:Thank you for having me.
Ronaldo:No, thanks a lot.
Ronaldo:I appreciate the feedback.
Ronaldo:Thanks, buddy.
Lizo Kopoka:Yeah.
Lizo Kopoka:Cheers, my brother.
