The name Rambo brings about images of a ruthless hero who will stop at nothing, and that is what Lungile Mthembu is to the Tuks netball team.
Spectators watching Tuks play the Varsity Netball Tournament might often not notice her during a game. But go and speak to any opposition team's wing attack. They might resort to using all sorts of unflattering short words to describe her effectiveness on the court.
The "invisible player" is how Mthembu views herself.
"Wing defence is sorts of a behind the scenes player. It is never about being flamboyant; however, it is an important position. You are up against the wing attack which a vital position in any team. My role is to do the dirty work. To 'eliminate' the wing attack usually by sticking or to whatever other means possible. If my play leads to vital intercepts, I consider it as a job well done."
Mthembu got nicknamed Rambo while at high school when she started playing netball. At first, she felt insulted being compared to a man, especially Sylvester Stallone. Her coach, however, explained to her that it was actually more of a compliment. Her teammates admired her speedy exploits on the court as well as muscled physique.
She then made peace with being "Rambo". Laughingly adding that it stood her to good stead while still at school as no one dared to try and bully "Rambo".
Mthembu used to be also quite a useful bowler in cricket while still at school. It should be no surprise that she was a fast bowler. The hattricks she took remains to be some of her fondest sporting memories.
The reason why she decides to stick with netball was that there were more opportunities. She has represented South Africa at an under-19 level.
She admits being in awe of Bongiwe Msomi the Proteas captain.
"Growing up in KwaZulu Natal playing netball means that at first, I felt intimidated when we got to play against players of the other provinces because they all seemed so much better.
"'Bongi' who also hails from the same province proved to me that it does not matter where you start out playing. In the end, it is all about how hungry you are to become the best you can be and how much you are prepared to sacrifice.
"If I can have one wish come true, it would be to play for the Proteas while 'Bongi' is still the captain. I hope she has not any plans to retire soon."
On Monday in the Rembrandt Hall Tuks will faceoff to Northwest in the Varsity Netball semifinal. Play starts at 19:00. Kovsies and Maties will be contesting the other semifinal in Bloemfontein.
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