Hope for Rugby Stars from Rural SA is Bright Thanks to Big Win

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The road to rugby success is difficult in general, but no more so than when you come from underserved, rural SA. That’s why opportunities to shine and get scouted matter tremendously, and why a recent win for this squad means immense hope:

eZhihlahleni, South Africa (10 April 2024) — In many parts of rural SA, participating in rugby when you come from an underserved background requires a different level of drive—the kind that is born from the odds being stacked against you. This is something rugby stars part of the Eastern Jumpers squad know well.

But, in a big turn in the tide for the hopeful, these rugby players recently enjoyed a fantastic opportunity of exposure and a big win that has made so many of the treacherous parts of the journey worth it.

Eastern Jumpers rugby player Oyisa Balekile can’t remember exactly how many times he has arrived at a training ground on an empty stomach or had to walk long and tough distances barefoot just to play a match because there are too many to count.

Yet, the 21-year-old player from Matama Location in Qonce (King William’s Town) would do it all again if he had to—all for the love of the game and the pride of a moment like he experienced a few weeks ago.

This passion is largely what led to him winning the Moko Sports Foundation’s 3rd Annual Easter Tournament of Orange Fridays alongside his team.

A four-day event that took place in eZilhlaleni outside of Qonce, 32 teams from rural SA (Eastern and Western Cape) vied for the title and the grand prize of R50 000.

As an opportunity to give players much-needed exposure and the chance to be scouted, the tournament plays a big role in giving rural rugby stars, just waiting to shine, a moment to catapult in directions of hope.

And, for Oyisa and the Eastern Jumpers, that moment came over the Easter weekend!

Of his drive and where his dedication comes from, Oyisa says:

“I accepted my situation. With the support of my mom and dad, I have managed to conquer all obstacles. I’m from a family who believes in life values. I was taught to love and care for other people, knowing very well it takes a village to raise a child.

“This is why I’m fighting for my team, Eastern Jumpers. It’s because of my family and community. I encourage others to continue to work hard and the opportunities will be there. Focus more on the things that you can control and don’t stress much about those you can’t.”

Teammate Anganathi Kiswa (23) and Themba Solimo (37) too, relished in the victory of their team and long-winding journeys.

For Anganathi, who began his rugby journey at Healdtown Comprehensive School near Fort Beaufort, the hope to become a Springbok player and follow in his hero Bryan Habana’s footsteps is now more alive than ever.

Of his journey, Anganathi says:

“I overcame my challenges by passing all my grades in high school, telling myself that I wanted to play better rugby at university.”

This determined attitude helped him get to Walter Sisulu University, where he is now also a member of the Varsity Shield squad.

“I would like to advise young players to have a positive mindset and work hard. And they should always combine sport with education.”

Offering advice to others who come from under-resourced backgrounds with big dreams, Themba says:

“Do not give up. Stay in the fight because your time will come.”

As an elder statesman of the side, Themba understands the dire need for more exposure for ruby players from rural South Africa. For him, forging the path to the Border Super League took immense discipline and the intervention of East London Police Rugby Club president Bonga Mtunjani who helped him get his shot at the big time. So he knows that the more opportunities there are, the more success stories there could be.

This is why tournaments that spotlight the talents of rural SA matter so much, and why the Moko Sports Foundation (who spearhead the grassroots sports development and community engagement action) is making a difference.