YOUNG Zululand rugby player Sobethu Biyela’s dream of touring France and Germany in September could still become a reality.
Sobethu’s plea for funding so he could join a European rugby tour touched the hearts of the Richards Bay Rugby Club folk.
The club arranged a special fund-raising drive during Saturday’s Fidelity Cup home match against South Coast Warriors and R1 000 in donations was the result.
And there was more good news for the 13-year-old Grade 7 Arboretum Primary learner, selected for the European tour after putting in sterling performances at the Riebeek Vallei rugby tournament in Cape Town during the April holidays.
PHOTO: Richard Springorum
Richards Bay Standard Bank Branch Manager Greg Barnard pledged that an account with a R5 000 donation from the bank will be opened to kick-start his quest to raise the R35 000 needed for his travelling expenses.
‘As my father is unemployed and mom the sole breadwinner, finances are tight, so we are trying to raise money for this once in a lifetime opportunity,’ Sobethu said.
His mother, Nozipho Biyela, said her family was overwhelmed by the support they received at the Richards Bay Rugby Club and from Standard Bank.
‘I really can’t believe it. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up from a dream,’ she said.
She thanked everyone involved who opened their hearts and said it would enable them to make the first payment (which was due at the end of May).
‘We are really grateful and humbled by the help. I’m starting to have hope that he will make the tour.
My son is over the moon with excitement,’ Biyela said.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
