Just a few weeks ago The South African Rugby Legends (SARLA) were deeply moved
by a Facebook post by a Maritzburg College Old Boy, Michael Bennett, who himself had
just experienced an event which once again illustrated the inspiring ability of rugby to
transform our country. Bennett, performing medical duties at Maritzburg College, had
just watched an exciting match between Maritzburg College’s Mighty 10 th Rugby Team
and Hilton College when he noticed some unusual activity taking place on the field
between the College’s U16C Team and a local development team from Edendale,
Pietermaritzburg, coached by Lion Mduduzi.
A heart-warming story, Bennett watched how, when it became obvious to Martizburg
College’s Mighty 10 th Rugby Team, that some of the Development Team Players
entering the field did not own boots, they lent them theirs without hesitation. SARLA
picked up on this beautiful act of humility and display of true sportsmanship and
immediately put out a call on social media for assistance and support. This resulted in
support from PUMA in the form of boots and SARLA contributed jerseys in addition to
the offer of free eye testing and support for all players by Execuspecs, Westville Mall.
Stefan Terblanche, CEO, SARLA, said “An event such as this epitomises the very
essence of our values and the great work our legends continue to do, hand in hand with
SA Rugby in supporting both the growth and the transformation of rugby across our
beautiful country.”
2019 celebrates the 10 th Anniversary milestone of SARLA's Rugby Development
initiative, VUKA. Today the programme is a well-established and joint grassroots
developmental initiative between SARLA and SA Rugby. The VUKA programme has
made great strides in the promotion of rugby in non-traditional rugby playing schools
and in disadvantaged areas and is a key contributor to the transformation of rugby
across South Africa.
Established in 2008 in the Western Cape with just 3 participating schools, today VUKA
has grown exponentially. Reaching over 478 schools in 11 of the 14 official SA Rugby
Unions across South Africa, with more than 300 committed coaches, the program is
embraced by Rugby Unions which include the Western Province, South Western
Districts, Eastern Province, Griffons, Griquas, Lions, Bulls, Leopards, Falcons, KZN and
Free State Rugby union regions.
Forming part of SA Rugby's national development objectives, VUKA receives their full
support and endorsement, reaching both boys and girls between the ages of 15-19.
This ensures that our youth receive the positive benefits of regular coaching sessions
which provide essential life lessons, both on and off the field. In addition, the program
provides extensive scouting opportunities to ensure that players with talent are selected
for various rugby events throughout the year.
An event such as this is a proud indication of the success of the development of rugby
in our country to date and a major reason for SARLA’s initial founding by Gavin Varejes,
SARLA’s President. Through the support of our rugby Legends, SA Rugby and our
many corporate sponsors, we are able to fulfill our mission, impacting the lives of so
many of our youth.
This beautiful story garnered the support of leading sportwear brand PUMA, securing 30
pairs of boots, in addition to jerseys from SARLA and eye testing and support from
Execuspecs. Further, SARLA will ensure a further donation of balls and cones to the
development team.
Terblanche said “When I shared this story with some of the legends, they expressed
their immense pride for the work we do to develop and transform rugby in South Africa.
We are so fortunate to be inspired by our work which impacts the lives of so many
young South Africans” adding “We thank Michael Bennett and Zola Mazwi for bringing
this story to light and hope that all of those who love rugby as much as we do and
believe in its ability to transform lives will take action in the same way when they spot
the opportunity.”
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