Talented young rugby players from Alex Wolves Club in Alexandra, who, had it not been for their rugby talent, would have spent their high school years at no‑fee schools in the township, have earned opportunities to study at some of Johannesburg’s elite schools.

The club’s U14 coach Sarah Skhosana emphasised that these opportunities, especially for learners in a community heavily reliant on no‑fee schools, prove that when talent is met with opportunity, even learners from underprivileged backgrounds can gain access to better education.

Read more: Two young Alex rugby players earn national development camp call–up

Five of the six learners from the Alex Wolves Rugby Club were scouted last year when they played against Kagiso rugby team from Soweto.

Absalao Mutema Chauke, a player who started playing rugby last year, is one of the learners who earned a position to study at Parktown. Despite his limited experience in the sport, he said the passion to play has always been there.

Also read: Alexandra rugby girls fly high

When he eventually joined Alex Wolves, he hit the ground running, scoring a try in his first match. A few matches later, he played his best against a Soweto‑based team — not knowing that someone who would later change the course of his schooling years and fledgling rugby career was watching.

Now, as a Parktown learner, he said the opportunities for his development as a rugby player are many.

Thabang Rallele received his scholarship to St David’s Marist Inanda in 2024, with 2026 marking his second year at the Sandton‑based elite private school. For him, the scholarship served as a step closer to his dream. “I came from a school that did not have sports at all – no rugby, soccer, or basketball – to a school that provides every type of sport you could imagine.”

Both Chauke and Rallele believe the schools have set them on the right path to achieve their dreams of playing for the national team.

Editor’s note: A previoius version of this story stated that players had received scholarships to play at Parktown Boys. According to Parktown Boys, this information is incorrect. The article also stated that Parktown Boys is a Private school, as well as that the headmaster of the school had watched a game played by the boys. This information is also incorrect, according to the school. The information was published without confirmation of these facts. Alex News apologises to Parktown Boys High School, as well as to the community for these errors.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!