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Help Alberton High School students be part of Junior Touch Rugby Tour in Ireland

Each one of the players need R60, 000 to be able to take part in the Junior Touch Rugby Tour in Ireland.

Alberton High School has become a hub for young, ambitious athletes making waves in touch rugby.

Four exceptional students, Reece Geldenhuys, Nwabo Miles Gxumisa, Omphile Molefi, and Afika Maku, have distinguished themselves with their dedication to the sport, earning spots in prestigious teams and competitions.

Reece Geldenhuys: From school grounds to international fields

Reece Geldenhuys, the 2025 sports executive (deputy head boy) of Alberton High, has built an impressive sports resume, participating in athletics, swimming, cross country, rugby, and touch rugby.

His journey in touch rugby began in 2022 as a way to stay fit between rugby seasons.

Little did he know this fast-paced sport would become his passion.

“For me, playing touch rugby was a way of keeping my body fit for rugby,” said Reece.

Starting with the Alberton High U15 touch rugby team, which won the school league, Reece quickly transitioned to a higher level, joining the Easterns Touch Association.

In 2023, he was selected for the U17 A squad and won a bronze medal at his first junior nationals.

By 2024, he captained his school’s first team, led them to another school league victory, and competed in both junior and senior nationals, securing bronze and gold medals, respectively.

The pinnacle of his journey came in December 2024, when Reece was selected to represent South Africa at the South African junior touch rugby tour where teams will be competing for the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in Ireland this year.

Reece is now seeking support to fund his participation, determined to make his country proud on an international stage.

Nwabo Miles Gxumisa: A leader on and off the field

Head boy of Alberton High School, Nwabo Miles Gxumisa, has proven himself as a disciplined and versatile athlete.

Nwabo Miles Gxumisa (in blue) going at his opponents with full force.

Playing multiple sports, including chess, tennis, rugby, and touch rugby, he excels in every discipline he pursues.
Nwabo’s introduction to touch rugby in 2022 was unexpected, but his talent quickly became evident.

Representing Easterns Touch Rugby, he competed in three junior and two senior inter-provincial tournaments, winning bronze at the Junior IPTs in 2024.

This achievement led to his selection for the South African U17 squad for the 2025 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in Ireland.

Nwabo said: “I have achieved many things in my life but being part of the team that will be going to Ireland to represent South Africa is a big thing for me.”

Nwabo credits his family for their unwavering support and hopes to inspire others as he represents his school and country at the highest level.

Omphile Molefi: Breaking barriers in touch rugby

For Omphile Murule, touch rugby began as an unexpected alternative when she couldn’t play traditional rugby in Grade Eight.

Omphile Molefi (ball in hand) showing her touch rugby skills at IPT tournament early this year in Cape Town.

Despite initial challenges, Omphile’s dedication and support from mentors like her coach and uncle propelled her forward.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my uncle and coach,” shared Omphile.

Omphile’s skills earned her recognition in the Gauteng School Tournament, where she was awarded MVP (most valuable player) for the Uu15B division in 2023.

Joining Easterns Touch Rugby in 2024, she continued to shine, representing her team at the junior Interprovincial Tournaments (IPTs) and earning a spot to represent South Africa in Ireland this July.

Touch rugby has been more than a sport for Omphile; it has been a transformative experience, teaching her teamwork, resilience, and the value of community.

She hopes to inspire other young girls to break barriers and pursue their dreams.

Afika Maku: A newcomer with unmatched determination

Afika Maku, a 17-year-old from Newmarket, began his rugby journey in 2022 when Alberton High did not offer soccer, his first love.

Afika Maku (blue kit) in action at the junior Interprovincial Tournament in Cape Town, last year.

He quickly adapted, playing flanker for the rugby team and discovering a natural talent.

In 2023, Afika joined his school’s touch rugby team, progressing from the second team to the U17 A boys’ team by 2024.

His impressive performance at the Junior IPTs in Cape Town caught the selectors’ attention, earning him a chance to compete for a spot on the final South African squad.

Afika credits his success to the support of his friends and family, and he looks forward to representing his school and country as he continues to train for the upcoming competitions.

A shared dream: representing South Africa in Ireland

These Alberton High School students exemplify resilience, dedication, and passion for touch rugby.

Representing South Africa at the Atlantic Youth Cup in Ireland is dreams come true, but it comes with financial challenges.

The estimated cost for the tour is R60,000 for each player and the money covers accommodation, flights, tournament fees, kit, meals, coaching or management staff. The R6, 000 excludes passports and visas.

Each athlete needs community support to turn their dreams into reality.

If you wish to contribute or have questions, please contact Francois Geldenhuys at 068 572 5187.

Together, we can help these young stars raise South Africa’s flag on the international stage.

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