Masedi Manamela, a 21-year-old rugby player from the Letaba Rugby Club, says that the club is like family to him.

According to him it has moulded him into the man he is today.

“The club is not only about the game, it goes far beyond the rugby field.

It has a sense of brotherhood, we all come from different backgrounds but still we are one.”

He joined the team in 2018 while he was still at Merensky High School and said his life changed for the better.

“I was young and arrogant, but I was taught to be humble,” he added.

Manamela started playing the game at the age of ten while he was a Duiwelskloof Primary School learner.

His best friend is fellow player, Martin Bensch.

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It was him that introduced him to rugby.

Bensch, who is fluent in Khelobedu, says that he looks up to Manamela because he has a big heart and has had a big influence on many people.

“I believe if he continues to focus, he will go far in the sport.”

Bensch also has only good things to say about the club.

He says the club has a culture of love, hence it has people from all races playing for the teams.

“The colour of your skin does not matter at the club, we are all family,” he added.

Manamela says that coaches Jaco Möller and Bennie Kruger have had a positive influence on his life.

“After relocating to Giyani from Tzaneen, they continued to support me with transport money and even offered me a place to stay over.

They help anyone in need and that is why I love them so much,” explained Masenamela.

Möller says that despite the disruption caused by the lockdown, the team still keeps in contact through their Whatsapp group.

As a team they have also helped one of their players with groceries during the lockdown when he fell short.

He also extended his gratitude to the club’s sponsors, OK Sugar Hill and OK Sugar Loaf for their support this year.