Midrand Rugby Club hopes to ignite passion for rugby in the community
MIDRAND - Tshuma Stingers Rugby Club, which provides rugby training, is making strides at growing the sport in Midrand.
Founded by a Midrand resident, Ndumiso Tshuma, three years ago, the club is looking forward to hosting a number of rugby fixtures in Midrand High School in April.
Tshuma, who played rugby in high school and has been coaching the sport since 2002, is an entrepreneur with a heart for sport and young people. He describes himself as someone who is on the road to success, who despite many obstacles followed his dream, kept his focus and has achieved the respect and admiration of his peers. Tshuma said, “My desire is to play a role in the development of rugby by creating platforms for rugby development, owning the club is one of the goals that I have seen come true.”
Most of the players in the club come from schools around Midrand, including Noordwyk Secondary School, Midrand High School, Halfway House Primary School, Varsity College, Eqinisweni Secondary School, Penelope Oracle Secondary and Midrand Graduate Institute.
“Our vision is to develop the sport in the community and provide a fun and vibrant atmosphere for young people who enjoy rugby,” said Tshuma.
The club is making a plea for support from the community and businesses in Midrand as they face many challenges, “Some players come from disadvantaged and impoverished family backgrounds meaning some of the players struggle to make it to games and practice.”
Tshuma said the needs list includes financial support and:
- Referee development
- Field lighting
- Field maintenance and irrigation
- First aid equipment
- Rugby balls
- Agility poles
- Transportation
- Scrum machine
- Field improvements
- Training vests or bibs
- Strapping
- Field hiring
- Tackling bags
- Video camera.
Ward 112 councillor Candice James said the work done by the rugby club is great in building young people in the community. She urged businesses and residents to support the young people through sponsoring what they need to continue playing.
The next matches in Midrand are the senior grand challenge between Tshuma Stingers Rugby Club on 2 and 23 April at Midrand High School where the club will play University of Johannesburg Soweto and Khosa teams, respectively.
Details: To join the team, joining fee or to sponsor contact ndumiso@tshumastingersrugby.co.za
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