His bald head and long grey beard, with his tattooed torso and arms make it hard to miss the colourful character that is Vusi 'Blackvreka' Hlabangwana. The 44-year-old fitness guru who has Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns stars lining up for his services.
Who is Black Vreka?
Vusi 'Black Vreka' Hlabangwana is from Daveyton. Like any other child I fell in love playing football. We played with the likes of Jabu Pule [Mahlangu] but unfortunately things didn't go as planned and I ended updiverting to the fitness industry training in the garages. I never stopped training, but I never knew that one day I would come back to the football industry because for me it's a calling because it was a journey. My first job was as a cleaner at Sappi Extra, then I worked at Mr Price for two years, but the longest job that I've done was at SBV cash in transit. That's where I spent 10 years.
Who was the first player you worked with?
The first player I worked with was Itumeleng Khune. He saw me using a certain wheel for the legs and asked if I could please teach him. That time I was still working for SBV but in life, if you don't take any chances you'll never grow. So, because I was a person who was always at work, I said I'm sick going for a sick note, and I went there and trained Khune, but that time it was Khune, [Lehlohonolo] Majoro and [George] Maluleka. Khune invited me back and because I still had a sick note, I was covered at work – but realizing that the football bug had returned, I started studying personal training because I saw there was a gap in sports conditioning. Khune kept calling but now my sick notes were done, so I had to make a decision. Celebrities outside of football started approaching me and I managed to complete my national qualification.
Which other players have made use of your services?
I also helped Rama with his rehabilitation because remember, it was a time when he was having injuries, so he was still playing for Chiefs. He gave me the experience, how to behave, how to train these soccer players. Rama also warned me to stay away from making jokes aimed at professional teams, saying I would block myself in the industry, something I thank him for. I eventually quit my job in 2019 when my mother got sick, and I started to do personal training more permanently. Unfortunately, when COVID came we were restricted, but my daughter introduced me to TikTok, that's when I started doing TikTok. I bumped into Themba Zwane at Mall of Africa and asked if I could be his personal trainer to which he agreed with no hesitation. We exchanged numbers and then from there I started visiting him at home. He used to have problems with hamstrings, but we worked on strengthening the muscle and fixed his nutrition and if you look at his performances now, you can see the difference. He hardly ever gets injured. I also trained Sphelele Mkhulise who I met through his agent.
Would you say players are doing enough training at their teams?
They do, but remember at teams it's all about tactics. They can have that session, but what is more important is to win games and now as much as they are training, you'll find that in the squad has 35 players and there's the different needs. As you can see from Cristiano Ronaldo, you do have your own personal trainer where you are sharpening your skills. At the team, let's say you start at 10am, finish at around about 12am. Go home, have a nap and then you can even start at 3:00pm. Because I know how to train players, we don’t do high intense training. We focus on their needs and the area that they feel they are lacking.
Don't you think that the players then run the risk of burnout or injuring themselves?
Hence, I'm saying it depends what kind of training they are getting. To keep up with the game, you gotta train.
Thembinkosi Lorch is back with a bang after training with you...
With Lorch, I said he mustn't rush. I also said what is it that you need to buy in terms of the recovery? Because sometimes in injury the healing is external, but the most important healing is inside. So, we started with water resistance, and I said to him as well when he plays, he mustn't rush to get where he used to be. Lucky enough for me, Lorch was top mentally. It was like two weeks working with him, not rushing. His maturity has helped him as well. Because if you can check now, he is more mature than previously. He's working for the team rather than himself.
Which player has really impressed you with his dedication?
Two players that I have worked with is Themba Zwane and Mduduzi Shabalala, he is inspiration to the other young soccer players. If you can check now, the other soccer upcoming soccer players, their mentalities have changed because of what they see from Shabalala. I think his trip overseas helped him see things in a different way, he wants more. Because even if I say we’ve done enough, he says no Grootman, let's just push, but because I'm a professional to say, listen, it's fine. Mduduzi’s talent is God-given, but despite his talent, he still works hard, which is not something you often see.
Khune has a goal of playing until his 40s. Having worked with him, do you think he will be able to achieve that goal?
I'm telling you, he can still pay until 45. He is the best experienced player. If you can check now, he bought equipment because he wants more. He is more mature and there's still a lot Khune will give us. Yes, for now, on and off the field, it's one of the things that keeps him to work hard. He shows the experience, shows the leadership skills where he leads from behind. So that's what Khune does. As much as he wants to play, his time is going to come.
