Diepsloot rugby boys off to Ireland

Three boys from Diepsloot are part of an U14 rugby team called the Vikings Rugby Christian Academy which will participate at the World Youth Rugby 7s Tournament in Dublin, Ireland on 25 and 26 September.

“I approached Richard Harrel from Vikings Rugby Christian Academy on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast to assist with the squad’s preparation for the tour and to offer Vikings the opportunity to select five players from their academy in recognition of the outstanding work they do with children in KwaZulu-Natal,” said Trevor van den Berg, a rugby development coach.

He added that his rugby journey began in 2013 when he coached rugby at eight schools in Diepsloot. “These were exciting times for grassroots rugby development in Diepsloot and we introduced the game to many youngsters who were looking for a distraction from the tough township life.”

He added that the three boys from Diepsloot were Sifiso Phuthang, Lesego Maseko and Sonwabile Toyiya. “The three boys from Diepsloot all attend Muzomuhle Primary School and Holiness Christian Revival Ministries and Orphanage,” said Van den Berg.

“Rugby has made it possible for these youngsters to travel overseas and enjoy this multicultural experience that will impact their lives forever.”

He added that it was a dream come true for the Vikings Rugby Christian Academy and they were very excited to be given an opportunity to represent South Africa at this tournament. “The tour is causing a stir in Diepsloot and has created renewed interest in rugby from children.

“The U14 team desperately need to raise funds for the tour and have been given two fantastic prizes to raffle. The first is two silver-stand rugby test match tickets, sponsored by Cell C, to attend the Springboks vs the All Blacks in Durban on 8 October valued at R1 200; and the second prize is a pair of Newton running shoes to the value of R2 100.”

Van den Berg concluded with a plea to community members to enter the raffle to win either of these prizes and help them fund their tour. Cost per raffle ticket is R50. Eighteen teams from Ireland, the UK, France, Georgia and South Africa will be competing in the tournament.

Details: Trevor van den Berg; trevor@fusionresources.co.za

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