A young lad has taken being bullied to the next level and shown that sticks and stones won’t break his bones.
Hard work and dedication led to an acceptance into UXI, an elite rugby institution.
JP (Jean-Pierre) Duma’s (19) had struggled most of his life being overweight and was always bullied about his weight.
Due to a work opportunity, JP’s dad, Morné, moved the family to Mossel Bay but returned to Secunda in 2019.
Adamant to make changes towards a more healthier and active lifestyle, JP only began playing rugby in Grade 11 in Hoërskool Oosterland for the second team.
“My first year playing for the school’s second team as a hooker I received the award for best-improved player,” said JP.
In matric, he played for the school’s first team as a hooker. In his short span of playing rugby, JP was selected to play for the Mustangs as a hooker and has only been playing for them this year. He then moved to play as a flank.
“It was a match played against Hoërskool Delmas in February where coach Cobus van Rooyen of the Mustangs took more notice of me,” said JP.
JP said Van Rooyen could see the huge improvements in every game he played. JP played for the Mustangs during Rhino Week in June and was spotted by UXI who offered him a 50 % bursary.
Only six players were offered a bursary from UXI out of 10 U19 teams.
“I was shocked, I did not know what to say or do when I was told they were offering me a bursary,” said JP.
A dream come true for JP to study further and on top of that he received the Player of the Tournament for the Mustangs U19 team.
“I have achieved significant improvements in a short space of time. I do not doubt in my mind that I will only get even better, being given this opportunity to go to UXI,” said JP.
JP’s parents Soné and Morné struggle to make ends meet and funding JP to study further is not possible.
“He has worked so hard for this and it is a huge dream come true for him to be accepted to study further,” said his mother Sone.
JP’s dream is to play for Western Province. However, a long-term goal would be to play internationally.
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A partial bursary leaves JP’s parents with an amount of R56 000 still outstanding, and they are appealing to the public and businesses to help make his dream come true.
Speaking to the Ridge Times, coach Van Rooyen said that when he noticed JP earlier this year he knew he wanted him to play in the Rhino Week.
“He performed very well. UXI were very happy with what they saw. Within two days of the tournament, JP was offered the bursary,” said Van Rooyen.
Van Rooyen said it was a teary eye moment to see JP make such a big transformation in his life in such a short period and be recognised by the institute.
“We really want him to go for this chance. He has been advised on which area to study further in as he wants to stay in sport,” said Van Rooyen.
He said that they tried to reach for a full bursary, but 50 % is better than nothing.
“It is a big amount to still get in for him to study. This lad has worked very hard, transforming from an overweight to a fit kid. It is a big commitment,” said Van Rooyen.
He said it would be sad to see JP lose this chance due to the lack of finances.
“Please have it in your hearts to assist him. It would be great to see him make a success with your help,” concluded Van Rooyen.
If you want to contribute to JP’s bursary, banking details are as follows:
Bank: TymeBank
Branch code: 678910
Account holder: S Duma’s
Account number: 51002916420 (reference name and surname).
You can also contact Soné on 076 465 3186 on WhatsApp only or call her on 074 955 3428. Proof of payment towards his bursary will be available on request.
