Rugby natural (16) needs R31 000 for dream tour
This time last year, Themba (16) could barely play rugby. Now, he has been chosen for an international rugby tour.
A Norkem Park youngster with a knack for rugby has been given the opportunity of a lifetime to visit the United Kingdom.
Unfortunately, Themba Gumede (16) will not be able to attend the 10-day rugby tour to England and Scotland. His mother Regina (57) was retrenched in 2015, and paying the about R31 000 simply isn’t possible.
Her talented son only started playing rugby last year.
“I didn’t want him to at first, because rugby is such a physical sport,” Regina told Express.
But there was no stopping Themba, who was clearly a natural.
“At first I didn’t think I can play and wanted to quit. But my coach told me ‘no, you can be a great player’,” the lock said. Themba was dedicated to rugby practice. Not long after, he was playing for the u-16A team.
Now, he is one of 260 players selected by the Grootvlei Sport Academy for a rugby tour to the UK in September. Express previously published an article about Zeek Mokoena (15), who happens to be friends with Themba, who was also chosen and is in need of funds.
Also read:
• Norkem teen (15) needs R31 000 for UK rugby dream tour
Themba said he was excited when he heard the news.
“It would mean a lot to go and play my favourite sport overseas and develop my skills.”
His rugby heroes are Springbok test captain Siya Kolisi and SA scrum-half Faf de Klerk.
The Grade 10 learner believes that by helping fund his dream, people would be investing in local youth. “It’s a good thing to invest in our skills for this country.”
Themba has never been overseas before. “I think it would be overwhelming when the plane lands and I realise that I’m in a different country.”
His advice to young players who also dream of playing rugby is: “It’s never too late to start, but it takes dedication.”
His dedicated mother hopes that her son’s dream will come true. “I don’t think God would take him from where he was up to here, and leave him like this. God will make the means. I have faith that a good Samaritan will help him to pursue his dream.”
The final payment for this tour is due on July 31.
To assist Themba, readers can contact Regina Gumede on 081 445 4625. Authentication of details can be verified through Universal Travellers on 012 991 5134 or Grootvlei Campsite on 076 244 0460.
Payments can also be made using the following details:
Bank name: ABSA, account name: Universal Travellers, account number: 4081 5469 40, branch code: 632005, branch name: Menlyn, payment reference: T Gumede + Grootvlei Rugby
Kindly send proof of payment to info@universaltravellers.co.za or fax to 086 246 3648.
