Ballito Dolphins celebrate hard-fought season at prizegiving
While not always easy, the team rallied around each other and will be ready for 2026.
The Ballito Dolphins Rugby Club recently honoured players past and present after a tough season that tested resilience on and off the field.
The Dolphins gathered for the prize-giving at Fika in Zululami Estate. The club had one of the toughest seasons on record, losing eight of their 10 KZN Club Rugby First Division South matches in 2025.
Club chairman Mark Svenningsen lamented a challenging season, fraught with injuries, as 22 players endured long spells on the sidelines.
“We saw many highs and lows, but in the end, we made it through,” said Svenningsen.
“Championships aren’t won in a year, they are forged in seasons like this. It would not have been possible without the dedication of our players and all those involved behind the scenes. Storms pass and build better sailors!”
The Dolphins finished second from bottom, eight points above Maritzburg Rugby Club. Four defeats were narrow losses, decided by seven or fewer points, as the team scrambled to assemble two full sides.
First team fullback Wanga Shumi was voted Most Valuable Player of the Season, while Dylan Booth and Sandile Mamba received Forward and Backline Player of the Year awards respectively.
Second team scrumhalf Simba Funguro claimed the Players’ Player of the Year and 2nd team Backline Player of the Year titles, while utility forward Jesse September was named Second Team Forward Player of the Year.
It was announced that first team head coach Jared Stanford would be stepping down, with former head coach Craig Dawson returning to take the reins.
“Rugby is more than a game; it’s a fellowship. I’ve seen rugby change lives,” said Dawson, who encouraged the players to enjoy the off-season.
Pre-season, however, begins on September 1. Dawson noted how league champions Hillcrest Villagers were fitter and hungrier for the title and urged his squad to match their commitment. He called on his men to attend training and be fit and firing for the upcoming campaign.
“Rugby gives you courage; rugby builds discipline,” said Dawson. “There can be no excuses next season.”
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