Alexandra Wolves rise as underdogs in Johannesburg’s youth rugby scene
Coach Tebogo Mofokeng believes his Alex Wolves U14 squad are no ordinary township team, they are disciplined, and rising with the confidence to challenge Johannesburg’s toughest rugby schools.
The tale of the Alex Wolves Rugby Club U14 team is not defined by wins or losses, but by the steady rise of young players who refuse to be limited by circumstance.
According to coach Tebogo Mofokeng, the boys have shown remarkable growth over time, owing to the way they train with the dedication of players determined to one day join the national team.\
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For their age, they have already developed the work ethic of professionals. Mofokeng said they listen, work hard, and play with the determination of a club that knows where it is headed. “Overtime, our standard has increased a lot. It shows that we are training people who are willing to listen.”
Mofokeng beams with pride whenever he speaks about them and this is not in individual brilliance, but in the collective effort. He said every player contributes, and every learner works hard enough to prove that talent can thrive, even in Alexandra, a community with its own unique challenges.
It is dedication and effort that carried the young wolves into the King Edward VII School (KES) Easter Festival, where they faced young rugby players from KES, one of Johannesburg’s most respected and competent teams in the youth rugby scene, according to Mofokeng. Yet against all odds, he said the Wolves held their ground, losing narrowly 12–14. “KES is well known and it is tough team, but we gave them a tough time. To show that we also have a clear sense of direction. While other township teams lost with heavy scores, we lost with just two points.”
Also read: What Alex Wolves needs to change to build a stronger squad
He emphasised that the margin speaks volumes, and makes it clear that his players are not defined by socioeconomic barriers in a township like Alex, but by their hunger to rise. They are underdogs only in name. In spirit, they are contenders, working hard to shape themselves into the next generation of South Africa’s rugby stars.
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