GQ: You mentioned working on other productions while waiting for “Go!” to be released—can you share a bit about those projects?

Thandolwethu Zondi: Well of course I can’t give away too much because of confidentiality reasons, however they were pretty big projects in my eyes. I’ve worked on 3 other film projects and 1 theatre project since shooting Go!. The theatre project is called My Children My Africa (by Athol Fugard) and was showing at the Opera Theatre in the South African State Theatre, Pretoria. I played the character of Thami Mbikwana on it. But all I can say about the others is that they were huge opportunities for me. From the 3, I’m playing one of the leads in 2 of them and a supporting in the 3rd one.

GQ: Now that acting is your new path, what kind of roles do you hope to take on in the future?

Thandolwethu Zondi: I’m open and willing to take on almost any kind of role. I’d also love to land action, thriller and sci fi roles, something like your Maze Runner and Divergent movies for example. In one of my previous productions, I did a lot of stunt work, which I fell in love with, so I would love to do more of those kinds of roles. I’ve also grown up learning different accents from around the world so I’m also hoping to work outside the country where I can put my different accents and acting skills to work.

GQ: Looking back, do you think your background in sports prepared you for the discipline required in acting?

Thandolwethu Zondi: It definitely did! 100%! The film industry reminds me a lot of the sporting industry because you need to really show up! You need to show up everyday, for every scene and for every single line, like you’d show up for every practice session, every match day down to every single pass you make. As much as you’re at the forefront of the production (being in front of camera) there is tons of work being done behind you so you need to respect everyone and work as if you’re gunning for a SAFTA or an Oscar, because you may just be!