One Opportunity is Helping Sbusiso Build a Future in Sport and Education

Photo Credit: Supplied / Taryn Uhlmann

After earning a place at the Sharks Academy, the young Johannesburg rugby player is balancing training, studies and life away from home as he works towards a brighter future.

Durban, South Africa (31 August 2026) – Sbusiso Jiyane has been busy proving that sometimes all a young person needs is one door to open.

The 18-year-old from Johannesburg took a leap of faith earlier this year when he was offered a place at the Sharks Academy in Durban, after initially being turned away. Now, several months into the journey, he is settling into academy life, playing rugby, studying and building a new life away from home.

And while getting to Durban was a major hurdle, the next challenge is making sure he can stay there.

Sbusiso recently completed matric at Parktown Boys’ High School with a Bachelor’s Pass, where he played First Team rugby. His versatility saw him feature at flank, lock and eighth man, while his former coach also praised his leadership, work ethic and ability to read the game.

When a place at the Sharks Academy eventually became available, it offered Sbusiso the chance to continue his education while developing his rugby career.

Since arriving in Durban on 18 February, Sbusiso has made the most of the opportunity. He has been selected to play for Crusaders U20, made new friends and found a church community that has become an important part of his life.

His academic progress has been just as encouraging. Studying towards an IMM marketing diploma, he passed all his first-term subjects and has received positive feedback from his lecturers, who describe him as dedicated and hardworking.

His academy and residence have also praised him as a polite and respectful young man. But building a new life at 18 has not always been easy.

He even spent his birthday away from home, having a burger at Musgrave Centre while many of his friends had returned home for the holidays. It was a small reminder that opportunities can come with their own challenges. Still, Sbusiso has kept going.

He is training. He is studying. He is making friends, finding his feet and growing into the young man he wants to become.

Help Keep the Dream Going

Sbusiso’s mother, Thandi, has worked for the family supporting his journey for 15 years, and his education and rugby development have been backed throughout the years.

But the costs of academy fees, accommodation and living expenses in Durban are becoming increasingly difficult to carry alone.

A crowdfunding campaign was launched with a target of R220,000 to help cover the year’s costs, and support is now needed to keep Sbusiso on the path he has worked so hard to reach.

For those who believe in education, sport and giving young people a fair chance, this is an opportunity to help Sbusiso keep building on what he has already achieved.