A timely donation of rugby gear, balls, and water bottles is giving young players at Alex Wolves Rugby Club hope, and a stronger chance to stay on the field and chase their ambitions.

That’s according to the club’s manager, Elias Mpengu, who said the recent donation has given the junior division a much-needed boost.

The Kwa-Bhekilanga-based team received more than 20 sets of rugby kit, including socks, shorts, and jerseys, along with over 20 rugby balls and water bottles for its junior players, courtesy of AST Recycling on August 4.

Read more: Alex Wolves rugby girls rise onto the national rugby stage

Mpengu said the timing couldn’t have been better for a division that has long struggled with basic equipment.

“This kind of support is very important for the club. I appreciate what AST did for the club.” Mpengu pointed to the size-three balls as a significant contribution, solving a problem he had battled with for some time.

Deputy chairperson of the club’s board Junior Seanego said gestures like this carry weight far 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 added that the impact extends to the club’s leadership too, encouraging them to keep pursuing further support and opportunities for their players.

Also read: Alexandra Wolves finalise U15 squad for upcoming Legends Cup clash

Despite the goodwill, Seanego said the club still faces significant hurdles, particularly when it comes to transport and meals for away games.

“We are looking for transport support. 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.”

AST Recycling operations manager Patrick Mxalisa confirmed that the donation forms part of a longstanding partnership between the company and the club.

Also read: First 11 coach commends team after sharing spoils with U13 log leaders

“It is important for us to give back to the community because most of the clients we work with come from Alex, and, as a company, we have to give back to the community and take children off the streets.”

He added that the initiative was also about strengthening ties with the community, noting that a lack of support could easily stand between children and the sport they love.

Mpengu said that he hopes that such support would attract other young people to come and join the club.

He said their goal is to grow their club beyond what it is now. It is through the support they get that they will be able to achieve that goal.

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