Alex Wolves Rugby Club’s U9 division has long struggled with limited resources, leaving coaches and board members to shoulder the responsibility of sourcing equipment and transporting players to matches alone.
On August 4, however, some of that burden was eased, when AST Recycling stepped in with a timely donation of more than 20 sets of rugby gear, including socks, shorts, and t-shirts, along with over 20 size-three balls and water bottles.

Read more: UJ thrashes Alex Wolves at Pirates Grand Challenge

Club manager Elias Mpengu said the donation was as a needed lifeline, noting that size-three balls had been particularly difficult to obtain. He said the contribution arrived at the perfect moment for a team determined to bring more young players onto the field. The excitement among the children was evident, and Mpengu emphasised that such joy would inspire them to encourage others in the community to join the club. “We are suffering, especially with the young ones, this kind of support is very important.” He added that when children wear proper kit, it gives them a sense of belonging and pride, showing they are part of a team, rather than just playing casually.

Deputy chairperson Junior Seanego said that the impact of the donation went beyond the equipment itself. “It motivates them. They are not from the same backgrounds, some lack this, and others lack that. It shows them that they are seen.” Seanego also pointed out that the gesture encouraged the club’s leadership to continue seeking further support and opportunities for their players.

Despite the boost, challenges remain. Seanego highlighted transport and meals for away games as ongoing hurdles. “When we have games on Saturdays, we struggle with transport. We end up sometimes having to pay out of our own pockets to take them to their games.”

Also read: Alex Wolves’ Ntokozo thrilled by Welkom rugby trip

AST Recycling operations manager Patrick Mxalisa confirmed that the donation was part of a longstanding partnership with the club. He emphasised the importance of giving back to the Alexandra community, where many of the company’s clients live. “As a company we have to give back to the community and take children off the streets.”

Mxalisa added that support like this helps keep young people engaged in sport rather than exposed to crime.

Mpengu expressed hope that the donation would attract more children to join the club, helping it grow beyond its current size. He underlined the importance of keeping children active in sports to prevent them from loitering in the streets. He said for him, the sight of a field full of children playing rugby is proof that the sport is becoming more familiar and accessible to the youth.

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