Alex Wolves celebrates rugby players who put Alex on the map
Alex Wolves Rugby Club closes 2025 on a high, celebrating young players who carried Alexandra’s name onto national stages.
As the end of the year draws close, 2025 hasn’t been an ordinary year, at least not for Alex Wolves Rugby Club.
As club manager Elias Mpengu put it, it has been a year of dominance for Alex youth on the rugby field, from local to national stages.
Read more: From Alexandra to Cape Town, rugby dreams take flight
Speaking at the club’s award ceremony at Alex-SanKopano Community Centre on Saturday, Mpengu said it was unprecedented to have four players across different divisions selected by Springbok selectors to represent Alex in the Western Cape.
“Four players, two U16, and two U18 and U20 were selected. These are the best achievements that we have as the Alexandra Wolves,” Mpengu said.
This was just one of several successes on their list this year.
Mpengu said Alex Wolves had five U15 boys selected to play under the Golden Lions squad, representing Alexandra in their inter-provincial tournament. He noted that two U14 girls and two U14 boys were also chosen to represent their club and Alex in Durban.
Also read: Alexandra rugby girls fly high
Additionally, the club had strong representation in the national week competition, with 18 of their players — nine U16 and nine U18 — selected to fly the Alex flag high.
Coach Andile Kahla said they are extremely proud of the players and how hard they have worked this year. “As I had said before, when you see players succeed or get selected when they go to trials, we become really proud because we can see the fruits of our labour as coaches.”
During the celebrations, Tshepiso Tladi, one of the club’s senior players, gave a brief message urging players to get along. “Let us encourage each other and be a family, enjoy the sport and enjoy the game.”
Some players, like Christina Mbatha, reflected on their growth and the tireless efforts of coaches who developed them, noting that without that support, she would not be the player she is today.
“I came in 2020 not knowing how to tackle or pass a ball, but our coach taught me how to tackle. Coach Zandile also taught me a lot of things. I was scared, but now, I am a rugby player.”
Mpengu extended gratitude to the parents of the players, saying they have trusted the club with their children. “I must appreciate that. Most of you do not know us, but you trust us with your children.”
He further thanked his players, who, through hard work, have shown commendable improvement this year.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
