Kanya Kama boosts Sol Plaatje University’s Varsity Shield Campaign

THE SOL PLAATJE University Gemmies will make the trip down to the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, near East London for the fourth round of their Varsity Cup campaign, in a game kicking off at 7pm on Friday evening.

Their hosts, Walter Sisulu University (WSU) have not had the best start to the competition, enduring three losses in the first three rounds. And no doubt, they are out to turn things around against the new kids on the block.

With this being SPU's first away match of their campaign, only time will tell how they perform without their ardent, vocal, adoring fans in the stands cheering them on. One of their challenges will definitely be to block out the noise, and focus on their game plan, trust the process and work with and for each other.

Weather conditions should not be much of a factor. The day will be pleasantly warm – not as hot as it can get under Kimberley's grilling sun. However, with a the humidity set to hit in the region of 80%, the discomfort level will certainly be higher. It gets pretty hard to breathe the higher the humidity levels. Rain? Who knows? Down at the coast – as everyone knows – you can experience four seasons in a single day.

So once again, Gemmies need to block out all the things they cannot control, and focus on what they have been preparing for: getting their campaign back on track!

Let's not forget that SPU’s entry into the Varsity Shield has been a momentous occasion, with the team proving, through their grit, skill and determination, that they truly belong on this stage.

Thus far, it has been a true team effort on the part of the Gemmies, with each player bringing his all to each game

Yet, among the standout players in their squad is Kanya Kama, the team's goal-kicker whose accuracy and composure have been instrumental in their campaign thus far, especially since they have been pushing the more experienced teams to their limits.

The DFA learned that for Kama, rugby has always been more than just a game – it’s part of his family’s legacy. His father, a former Natal Sharks player, played a significant role in his development.

Did you get that? Kama is from the coast, from Durban of all places, so dealing with the humidity will be second nature to him, which is good news for the Gemmies.

“I was lucky to be exposed to rugby early,” Kama reflects. “I joined talent ID programmes and spent time at Sharks Kids, where my love for kicking really started.”

His journey to becoming a reliable goal-kicker took years of refinement. It began with casual practice sessions alongside the Sharks women’s team, where he would test his technique while his father coached. Over time, seasoned players offered guidance, helping him sharpen his skills.

“I keep my routine simple – line up the kick, a few glances, and trust my strike,” he explains.

Beyond his kicking, Kama has developed an elusive running style that keeps defenders guessing; his sidesteps are something to behold. “I’ve never been the fastest player, so I had to figure out a different way to be effective,” he says. “Switching between flyhalf and inside centre has helped me adapt and find gaps in the defence,” he says.

Meanwhile, representing Sol Plaatje University in the Varsity Shield is a source of immense pride for Kama. His journey with the Gemmies team has been filled with memorable moments, but certain games stand out for him. “My first Player That Rocks award meant a lot because I was coming back from injury. But our match against UKZN was probably the toughest, and winning it made it even more special,” he recalls.

Handling pressure is a skill Kama has mastered, particularly when it comes to slotting crucial kicks. “It’s about preparation. If I know I’ve put in the work, I don’t stress about the outcome,” he says. “Visualisation also helps – if you’ve already played the moment in your mind, it feels natural when you’re actually in it.”

While focused on the Varsity Shield, Kama has his sights set on bigger things.

“For the team, my goal is to step up as a leader and set a standard for those who come after me,” he says. “Personally, I’d love to test myself at a professional level, and playing overseas is a long-term ambition.”

As Sol Plaatje University continues their Varsity Shield journey, Kama remains a key player in their quest for success. With his precision kicking and ability to rise to big occasions, he is shaping up to be a player to watch in South African university rugby.

Additional reporting by Lance Fredericks