In an initiative aimed at keeping high schoolers on the field and off the streets Khayamandi High School has introducing rugby as a sport code.
“I once imagined myself wearing a Khayamandi rugby jersey with number 10 on the back, taking the winning penalty,” Siwaphiwe Kula, a Grade 12 learner of Khayamandi High, said.
“When I was imagining this it made me feel like a Springbok player, feeling as if the whole world is watching, waiting for me to pop that extra joy in their hearts by slotting the penalty.”
For the 19-year-old, starting rugby at the school has been a dream since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He and his fellow learners watched the tournament and knew there was interest among the learners to do more than simply watch matches.
Siwaphiwe played rugby for a local club, and after the World Cup many learners dubbed him Siya Kolisi, after the Springbok captain. “My role-model in rugby is Damian Willemse, who started being a professional player at the age of 18 playing for the DHL Stormers.
“Rugby means a lot to me because it is the only thing I know and love. When I’ve had a bad day or am feeling sad, I just go to the field and kick the rugby ball.”
With the matric learner’s help, rugby will be added the school’s other sport codes: soccer, netball, handball and basketball.
Siwaphiwe said too many learners spend their down time “engaging in wrong things,” such as drugs and alcohol abuse and fighting among boys.
“As a young person with potential it must be depressing and hard to accept one is hamstrung by lack of opportunity, so all the talent inside has no constructive way of getting out. It would be a pleasure and a dream come true for many learners if they get a chance to show their potential, something that is sure to change lives.”
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