Cecil Afrika will forever be remembered for his role in South Africa’s golden moment at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, when the Rugby 7s team made history by defeating New Zealand for the first time at the Games. A flag bearer, gold medallist and now coach, Afrika continues to inspire through sport.

What are the standout moments from your time as an athlete in the Commonwealth Games?

The standout moment for me at the 2014 Commonwealth Games was the incredible honour of being selected as the flag bearer for Team South Africa. It was also unforgettable to be part of the Rugby 7s team that won the gold medal for South Africa. Even more special was making history as the first team to defeat New Zealand in Rugby 7s at the Commonwealth Games, as they had never lost a match there before.

How has your view on your sport and accomplishments shifted since your Commonwealth Games experience?

Since the 2014 Commonwealth Games, I have seen a significant evolution in the game of Rugby 7s. The sport has grown tremendously, with underdog teams stepping up and becoming much more competitive. Back then, there were only a few specialised players in 7s, but now it is a highly professional and dynamic format. The game is faster, more physical and proudly part of the Olympic Games too.

How has your life and career changed since the Commonwealth Games, both in and out of sport?

I truly believe a global event of this magnitude leaves no one unchanged. It demands a different version of you, both on and off the field. My Commonwealth Games experience became a powerful catalyst for growth, fuelling my drive for excellence and pushing me to ensure that my role not only contributed to the team’s success, but also embodied what it truly takes to win a gold medal.

The occasion inspired countless people back home and reinforced a core belief I hold dearly: "The man maketh the player." You need to be a person of substance, someone open to growth and committed to constant evolution. Staying teachable is where the real magic happens.

Can you talk about the challenges and victories you have encountered since the Commonwealth Games and how they shaped your journey?

One of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of my journey has been finding effective ways to share my knowledge and experience with the next generation of Rugby 7s players, particularly the women’s team. Rugby 7s is still a relatively new sport in South Africa, especially for women, so there is a lot of work to be done in building and developing its future.

A significant personal victory has been joining the coaching staff of the South African Women’s Rugby 7s team. It has been an incredible honour to continue contributing to the sport I love, one that shaped my career and who I am today.

Have you stayed active in your sport or sports community after the Commonwealth Games?

Yes, I have been appointed as the Assistant Coach for the Springbok Women’s 7s Team.

Tell us about projects or causes you are passionate about or working on.

I am proud to serve as an ambassador for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. This role gives me the opportunity to be part of projects that highlight the life-changing power of sport in the lives of children. It brings me immense joy to engage with the future athletes of our country and see how sport can unite, uplift and transform communities.

In what ways have you used your Commonwealth Games experience to motivate and guide the next generation or those facing similar challenges?

As both an athlete and now a coach, this journey has become part of my daily life. I regularly engage with athletes at various stages of their careers and make it a priority to connect with them on a deeper level. One of the key lessons I try to pass on is that failure and mistakes are inevitable, but they are part of the process.

It is in those tough moments that staying focused on the bigger picture becomes most important. I encourage them to believe in their abilities and always remember why they started. There will come a defining moment, a moment they have been preparing for, and my goal is to help them be ready when that time comes.

Looking back, what lessons or skills from your Commonwealth Games journey have been valuable in your life beyond sport?

Being disciplined, both mentally and physically, is essential to success in sport and in life. Equally important is understanding the power of unity, recognising that being part of a team is not just about individual talent but about working together toward a common goal. True progress happens when individuals commit to something greater than themselves. That is how you go further, together.

Can you share a personal or professional achievement post-Commonwealth Games that you take pride in?

Marrying my wife, someone who embodies true partnership in every sense, has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Together we have started our own family, and I take deep pride in the man I am becoming: a devoted husband and father.

The recent King’s Baton Relay passed through your country. Did it bring back memories of your own Commonwealth Games journey, and what does the Baton’s message mean to you today?

It absolutely did. It took me back to the memories, the faces and the shared journey with my teammates that led to our gold medal achievement. It reminded me of the bonds we built and the pride we carried together.

This year’s Baton message is truly special. It celebrates individuality, how each of us brings something unique to the table, but reminds us that when we come together, we discover the real strength and beauty of community. Sport bridges differences and brings people together in powerful ways.

With the 2026 Commonwealth Games coming up, what are you most looking forward to seeing?

I am most excited to see how Team South Africa performs across the various sporting codes. This time, I get to watch it through a different lens as a coach, which brings a whole new level of appreciation. I am looking forward to observing not just the results, but the teamwork, preparation and resilience that go into every performance.

If you could give one piece of advice to athletes preparing for 2026, what would it be?

Remember your why. It will ground you, sustain you and carry you further than your skill or training ever could. When challenges arise, and they will, your why is what will keep you going.