Six young rugby players from Alexandra have been awarded scholarships to private schools after showcasing their talent on the field.

The first learner, Thabang Rallele, who plays for Alex Wolves U15 division, was spotted in 2024 while playing in the inter–provincial team. His performance earned him an opportunity to study at St David’s Marist, Inanda.

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Another player, Absalao Mutema Chauke, part of the group selected last year, received a scholarship to study at Parktown Boys High School. 2026 marked his first year of study at a private institution, thanks to rugby talent and the support of his coaches. “Although I only joined the club last year, I got a scholarship after a few games. I want to thank the coaches a lot. They created a lot of opportunities for me.”

Chauke believes the club has set him on a path to achieve his biggest dreams. “I want to play for a big team, like the Lions, because when you play for the Lions, it is likely that the Springboks, and other big teams, would want you.”

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Alex Wolves U14 coach Sarah Skhosana recalled how the journey began. She said that last year, when the team played against Parktown Boys’ U15 rugby side, conversations about Parktown scouting Alexandra players started to take shape. “Last year, we played against Kagiso rugby team from Soweto. Parktown’s headmaster was there to watch the game, along with other coaches. Our U13s won, and our U15s also won, although it was a tough game.”

That show of talent opened doors. After their victorious encounter with the Soweto team, Skhosana received a call about selected Alex Wolves players. “They had witnessed that the boys are talented, and were looking for them. They said they will offer them full scholarships.”

Rallele said the scholarship served as a step closer to his lifelong ambition. Just like Chauke, he explained that his dream has always been to play for the Springboks. “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.”

Although he arrived at St David’s Marist, Inanda as a trained player, largely developed by Alex Wolves, he said the school’s coaches built on that foundation. “I can obviously say I have improved as a player, and my level of rugby is more advanced than before.”

Skhosana added that the impact of the scholarships go beyond rugby. “I am excited that I am changing lives. Take for instance, schools in the township: a single Grade 8 class would have 50 learners. At private schools, they are exposed to better conditions that are conducive for learning.” Skhosana said her hope is that the boys continue excelling, both academically and in rugby.

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