The Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Champions League is helping young people in township communities find purpose, exposure and opportunity through rugby.
East London, South Africa (05 May 2026) – What started as a small initiative in the Eastern Cape has grown into a powerful movement that is reshaping school rugby and creating real opportunities for young people in underserved communities.
The Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Champions League, founded by Lincoln Mali in honour of his late father, is now expanding from a traditional tournament into a structured league system aimed at keeping school rugby alive throughout the season.
For Mali, the project is both personal and deeply rooted in the realities of township life.
“Rugby in the Eastern Cape goes back more than 130 years. It has always been part of our communities. But over time I started seeing the game disappearing in township schools, while young people were getting drawn into drugs, violence and teenage pregnancy. That’s when I decided we need to revive the game.”
What started with just eight schools has now grown to over 60 schools across seven towns, reaching more than 3,000 learners every year.
“At the end of the tournament we announce squads for bigger competitions, and the joy is just unbelievable,” Mali explains. “The kids go on to play at established school tournaments, and they are not intimidated. They just go out there and compete.”
He says the bigger goal is not only about producing rugby players, but shaping lives. However, Mali admits one of the biggest challenges has been what happens after the tournament ends.
“The pain is that once the tournament is over, the season is over for these kids. Real rugby continues, but for them, it stops. That’s when many go back to difficult environments, and that is what we are trying to change.”
For Justinus Adriaanse, who is working closely on the initiative, the key impact lies in exposure and opportunity.
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He adds that visibility has been a game-changer for the players and communities involved.
“When people see the highlights, when scouts see the talent, it changes everything,” Adriaanse says. “Suddenly these boys are not invisible anymore.”
As the league continues to grow, so does its ambition. It expands opportunities and ensures that township rugby talent is no longer left behind.
At its core, the Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Champions League is more than just a competition. It is a platform for hope and possibility. Also, for the thousands of young players, it is the start of something bigger than the game itself.
The campaign’s fundraising drive is still ongoing, with organisers aiming to raise R1 million to help sustain and grow the league. Just 12 days after launching, the initiative has already raised more than R700,000, highlighting the overwhelming support behind the movement. Those who would like to contribute towards the future of the Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Champions League can support the campaign here.
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