Bok captain Siya Kolisi helps make Allen Glen rugby player’s dreams come true

Seventeen-year-old Ofentse Mofokeng from Allen Glen High School was selected to represent South Africa in Ireland but didn’t have the means to pay for the trip. Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi made Ofentse’s dreams come true by sponsoring his trip.

Ofentse was given this opportunity when he was identified by selectors during a tournament held at Sundown Ranch Country Estate earlier this year, through watching him play and taking note of his skills and abilities on the rugby field.

“Ofentse is a hard-working individual, that is dedicated to the sport and doing what is best not just for himself but also for his team. He is a delightful, well-mannered young gentleman that is a delight to coach,” John Kruger, first team rugby coach.

According to Duncan Morgenrood from the school, Ofentse asked Entle Va, the school’s head of the human rights ambassadors committee, to help him figure out a way to raise the funds to go to Ireland and play for the national team.

“Entle suggested Ofentse make a video asking for any assistance from the community to help fund his dream,” explained Duncan.

• Watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/748679417284699

The video was posted on Entle’s personal Facebook page and was liked and shared by many of the social media users.

“This resulted in Springbok captain Siya Kolisi taking note of the post, commenting on it, and then sharing it with his followers as well,” he added. Siya commented on the post asking for Ofentse’s parents’ details to see if he could assist in making Ofentse’s dream come true.

To Entle’s knowledge, Siya did get hold of Ofentse’s parents and made arrangements to help pay for his trip to Ireland. The school did mention that this act of kindness inspired another sports star – who wished to remain anonymous – to do the same.

• Ofentse shared a video of gratitude towards Siya and the community, which can be watched here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/712973834225324

According to his mother, when Siya called Ofentse he was happy, jumping and crying tears of joy.

“He couldn’t wait to go to Ireland yesterday it was his happiest day ever,” she exclaimed, “His dream team is to see himself playing for Springboks.”

Ofentse gave this message to his peers, “To all the young ones out there just follow your heart and put all the effort. Just play your best, even though I know how hard it can be, just keep pushing and pray because God is the only one to guide you and show you the right way.”