As much as we’re about celebrating Swazi women, we can’t forget to acknowledge our inspiring men. What better way to start off our new Swazi Innerviews Guy feature then with hunky basketball player, entrepreneur, coach, Tae Bo instructor, model, and founder of Dunkylaine Basketball Academy – a programme that helps sharpen young players’ skills and technique on the court. Word around town is that he’s one of friendliest guys ever, plus he loves kids. So I thought I’d get to know Mzwakhe a bit better (for research purposes of course) and find out what makes him tick.
Born in Nhlangano but bred in Manzini and Mbabane.
I was motivated to start Dunkylaine Basketball Academy because of the love of basketball, kids and the desire to see the next person becoming something in life. I also wanted to play a part in keeping the youth away from making bad decisions and giving them direction through basketball so that they become responsible men and women of tomorrow and great future leaders.
The perfect day begins with prayer and ends with prayer.
A personal rule I never break is being honest at all times as the truth sets me free.
My role model is Jesus.
Three interesting facts about myself is that I am a very straightforward person, I hate lies, and I hate negativity and gossip.
My career highlight is becoming the adult that I had told myself I would be, which is helping the youth live a better life through sports and making it my living.
What I love most about my job is seeing the final product and what I don’t like is seeing a player do the opposite of what I have taught him or her.
I feel truly alive when I see the next person becoming something big in life through their talent hustles.
I’m disheartened by hate and negativity because we are a people, we should be uplifting and motivating each other.
Greatest fear I have conquered is becoming what I am today because my mother couldn’t afford to take me all the way to college, so I had to hustle for myself by working in the fields cutting grass to earn money and working at Nando’s so that I could pursue a course in sports management. I am still hustling even today and won’t stop till I get my honours degree. I’m thus following my slogan which is, “Finish what you have started”.
Looking forward to running my own sports school to show that we are not all born to sit in an office and that sports is also like any other job or business. As well as taking one local basketball player into the NBA.
Always up for a clean hustle and helping the youth with my talents.
I have no patience for just sitting and doing nothing, I’d rather hustle than do nothing. I’d hate for a day to go by without me achieving a tiny little. Even the small hustle counts with me.
Hardest lesson learnt thus far is never taking for granted what the elders advise you about.
I’m attracted to a woman who is God fearing, hardworking, loving, caring, generous, challenges me, humble, clean, fast thinker, loves family, perfectionist, good and smooth communicator, respectful and organised.
Complied by the Innerviewer
