Backrow turnover-specialist Ndimande has appeared in some capacity in each of the Warriors' 18 Champs Rugby games in his return season, either starting matches or making an impact off the bench.
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They have benefited from this in recent weeks Exceptional artist Khaliq Karim injuredSeeing him consistently start the team, continue his momentum-changing moments throughout the match with big hits and turnovers.
Ndimande starred in the Warriors' most recent game against Caldy on Saturday, February 21, barring some of the usual physical displays.
In his first season away from his home nation, Cruz feels the former under-19 Springbok has become a “really big part” of both what the Warriors are doing and what they are trying to do.
“I think that's a really good summary of who we are as a group,” Cruz told the Worcester News.
“People have come from all over to be a part of who we are and what we are doing.
“He's completely nailed it. He's been fantastic.”
“He's a great personality, he adds a lot of personality, a lot of noise – I should say – to the group.
“He plays the game with a smile on his face, he's aggressive, he's an all-action player, isn't he?
“It's really exciting to watch him, he's physical, he's a really big part of what we're trying to do.”
Ndimande, who has regularly led the division in both wins and Jackals turnovers during the current campaign, spent his entire professional career with Griquas before moving to the Warriors, joining them straight from the Varsity Cup where he represented Shimla.
He was first discovered by VUKA during the 2015 Under-15 Ikhawe Week and Legends Cup tournament.
Before shining for Shimla in the 2022 Varsity Cup, he impressed at the 2017 and 2018 Craven Weeks, as well as the 2016 Grant Khomo Week.
He was part of the Griquas team that won the 2024 SA Cup, as well as playing as a forward in the tournament's 2022 Varsity Cup victory.