Mahlogonolo Buthelezi Is Chasing Rugby and Education But Needs a Helping Hand

Photo Credit: Katlego Kgaladi - Supplied

Mahlogonolo hopes to return from injury and continue his progression through recognised rugby structures while completing his education.

Pretoria, South Africa (21 September 2026) – At just 21, Pretoria rugby player Mahlogonolo Buthelezi is trying to build a future that combines elite sport with education, but financial pressure could put that pathway at risk.

The Wing/Fullback has been selected for the U21 Limpopo Blue Bulls training squad and is currently part of the 12-month Harlequins high-performance programme at UXi Sport.

The goal is to keep progressing as a rugby player while also continuing his education, creating opportunities both on and off the field.

That journey has hit a financial hurdle, with an outstanding balance of R41,500 on his high-performance programme fees. His family is currently seeking support to ensure he can remain in the programme and continue training and studying.

Mahlogonolo is also recovering from a minor fracture to his right arm suffered in August. He is currently in a cast, which is expected to come off towards the end of September, and is hoping to return to full training once he is medically cleared. The injury has temporarily interrupted his rugby, but his longer-term ambitions remain unchanged.

Photo Credit: Katlego Kgaladi – Supplied

Support would help cover his programme and education costs, while potential sponsors or bursary partners could also assist with expenses such as physiotherapy, nutrition, transport, kit and high-performance training.

His management team is open to different forms of assistance, including financial support, education bursaries, CSI partnerships, sporting equipment or medical and nutrition support.

The aim is to remove some of the practical barriers that can prevent young players from progressing at a crucial stage of their development.

Mahlogonolo is already inside recognised rugby structures. Now, with the right support, he hopes to stay there and continue building towards provincial-level rugby while protecting his education.

A crowdfunding campaign has been created to help settle the outstanding fees, while the family is also looking for sponsorship or bursary opportunities for the year ahead.

To help, see the link here.