Player Profile – Jarrel Mbuyi Mulumba (King Edward VII School)
SuperSport Schools Plus interviews King Edward VII’s (KES) Jarrel Mbuyi Mulumba, a talented athlete, who excels in both basketball and rugby.
“If I were to introduce myself, I would say my name is Jarrel Mbuyo Mulumba. I’m Congolese,” he said.
“I began playing basketball in November of 2023 and I began playing rugby in 2022 at Bryanston High School.
“Jesus and my mother are my role models. My occupation is a son of God, and French is my first language.”
Since he began playing basketball, one of the most profound lessons that Jarrel has gained from the sport is that the essence of being a champion is not defined by winning. Rather, one wins because one possesses a champion’s mindset.
Jarrel exemplifies leadership. He asserted that true leadership is defined by actions rather than titles. He emphasised that his identity is rooted in God rather than in sports. While being an exceptional athlete is commendable, it is even more admirable to be a remarkable individual outside of the sporting arena, he believes.
He, also, advocates for prioritising the needs of others above one’s own, maintaining a positive attitude, being humble, and maintaining a strong work ethic. Basketball has taught him that character and diligence surpass talent.
Rugby, too, has imparted significant lessons to him, Jarrel said. “Rugby has been an outlet through which God has blessed me and my family. It encouraged me to express myself and connect with other people. I love the idea that anyone can participate, no matter the shape or size. I’ve made many friends and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Jarrel describes himself as a competitive person and strives to give his best in all aspects of his life. “I have been blessed with the ability to learn and to play the way I do. I’ve inspired many of my juniors and, thankfully, my own teammates to strive for more. To know my full potential in everything I do is my desire and to make others smile through my blessings,” he said.
Challenges have brought him joy and helped him grow as a person, Jarrel reckoned. He has noted a significant enhancement in his confidence and social skills. Now, he pursues excellence with greater confidence.
Growth on basketball courts and rugby fields has also carried through to his academic performance, an area in which he had previously struggled. “I went from barely passing in the primary [school] to thriving, and my goal is to also attain academic colours,” he shared.
Basketball and rugby are both team sports, and Jarrel expressed gratitude towards his teammates for contributing to his development as a player and an individual. He acknowledged that his teammates have encouraged him to confront his weaknesses and embrace being vulnerable.
The result of facing up to those challenges has been that he has gained a deeper appreciation for the journeys of those around him who are integral to his life. “I am a better student now, son, Christian, brother, and a much-improved teammate, all because of my teammates,” he stated.
One of the goals that he hopes to accomplish this year is to win the St John’s College Basketball Tournament. He also wants to see his teammates win awards, and he would like to attain full colours for rugby.
He is hoping for an injury-free season in the KES 1st XV and will strive to make it to Craven Week, where he is keen to pursue a place in one of the national teams. He hopes to pursue rugby as a career.
Academically, his goal is to earn academic colours and to score at least four distinctions.
Lastly, he said, he wants to improve his relationship with God.
On the basketball court, his favourite players are a couple of NBA shooting guards and a power forward. He looks up to Anthony Edwards, of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Donovan Mitchell, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the shooting guards, and to power forward, 40-year-old Lebron James, the NBA‘s all-time leading scorer, who began his career in the league in 2003 and is still going strong.
In rugby, his role models are French star, Antoine Dupont, the Springboks, Cheslin Kobe, Canan Moodie, Aphelele Fassie, and Bok legend, Bryan Habana, who also attended KES.
Jarrel said he wouldn’t describe any of those players as his idols. Rather, they are sportsmen from whom he has learnt much, especially when it comes to their demeanour, their grit, and their resilience.
His basketball coaches have advocated for him to develop on and off the court, Jarrel said. It has been thanks to them that he has improved his academic performance.
Representing KES is an honour and a privilege, he added, emphasising that the jersey holds a special significance for him above all else. “It’s like giving back to the institution that has helped me this far into my life, and whenever I think about that, I get motivated,” he explained.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Jarrel said he has interests in cooking, reading, and martial arts. He mentioned his fondness for lasagna, a dish prepared by his mother, which he considers his favorite.
Furthermore, he enjoys watching his preferred rugby team, the Blue Bulls, as well as his favorite basketball team, the Timberwolves.
