ALBERTON – Fourteen talented u.18 rugby players from the South are heading to Mauritius to play in the International AfriAsia Bank Sevens Rugby Tournament.
Braam Pienaar, Western Wolves’ head coach, collaborated with the SpifSPORT Invitational team to organise for the Wolves to visit Mauritius from October 6 to 13.
“The main aim is to identify players with a talent and give them the opportunity to play in this tournament. Marius Schoeman, who has an u.18 South African sevens academy, always visits this Mauritian tournament and identifies players to join his academy. All of these young players have the talent to be chosen and maybe make rugby their future. I just want to give them this opportunity to help develop their talent,” says Braam.
Braam invited schools in the South to send players to the trials, that were held on March 4 at Primrose High School, and 14 players were selected.
The players selected this year are Cameron Dunstone, Mitchell Hill, Tristan Barlett, Dean Moneron, Sinqobele Zondi, Madibogo Mamanyoha and Morena Ramabina all from Bracken High School. Justin Addendorf, Nhlakanipho Mdiniso, Shane Erasmus and Thamsanqa Nkosi from Primrose High School and Martin Machubeni, Adolf Mphahlele and Alliance Baganda from Highlands North Boys School.
This international tournament is organised and hosted by the Mauritius Rugby Union. Vision Sport Mauritius is the main sponsor of the rugby tournament and assists SpifSPORT in making this opportunity a reality for the young rugby players.
Braam says each player needs at least R20 000 to go on the tour and need sponsors to help in this regard. “I always tell the boys that with hard work and determination anything is possible, even for the underdogs, as they are known.”
Should you require more information or wish to sponsor a player, contact Braam on 074 446 3055 or send an email to aipienaar@gmail.com.
