KaMhlushwa Black Cats promotes rugby in rural Nkomazi

KAMAQHEKEZA – The KaMhlushwa Black Cats Rugby Club were victorious against Swaziland’s Luve Elephants Rugby Club in a friendly match at KaMaqhekeza Stadium on Saturday evening.

The 19-5 victory boosted the club, which will be competing in the Pumas Phakisa Lowveld Rugby League this year and taking on teams like Hazyview, Matsulu and Barberton from April 27.

The Black Cats are affiliated with the Nkomazi Sports Federation, Mpumalanga Rugby Union and South African Rugby Union and aim to promote the sport in Nkomazi and assist with social development.

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The organisation was initiated in 2007 by, among others, Amon Mavuso, Mxolisi Chiloane, Xolile Shabangu and Hennie Kruger, in order to keep vulnerable young people from crime and allow them to channel their energy towards positive hobbies.

The Black Cats start training children from around the age of eight and implant rugby culture and aspects such as analytical thinking, discipline, teamwork and ethics to give them opportunities to better themselves and their lives through sport. They are active in areas such as Langeloop, Driekoppies, Mzinti, Steenbok and Boschfontein.

They work with various local organisations and government to present local tournaments for children and young adults.

According to the club’s secretary, Hubert Nkalanga, they have helped schools with coaches to develop rugby skills and motivate them to apply for equipment at the rugby unions. They also assisted with tournaments like the Nkomazi Mayoral Sports Development Tournament, Gee Bees Sevens and the SA Rugby Legends Vuka League Tournament for high schools.

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Several local schools; such as Sidlamafa, Suikerland, Horizon Academy and Lovunywa; participate in the Vuka League.

For more information on the club and their tournaments, contact the president, Amon Mavuso on 079-177-3273 or Nkalanga on 072-473-8115.