‘The colour of the jersey is what matters’ – Sentraal Rugby Club

Sentraal Rugby Club is one of the few truly ‘inter-racial’ team sports clubs in the area. Drawing players from the white, black and now Indian communities, the Club has shown that by giving everyone a fair chance on the field, real success follows.
Last year Sentraal won their KZN League – beating Richards Bay in the final – their second provincial success in three years and last week won the Bozas Cup – in which 14 other rugby teams competed in Eshowe.
Chatting to the Courier about racism, players from various communities had their say:
Thapelo Nkoto, said playing for Sentraal is like playing for a brotherhood where real friendships have been made on and off the field. “Racism breaks down people – I don’t like breaking down people. We want to build and be successful.”
Has he ever experienced racism? “Yes – once or twice while playing in Vryheid and Pongola I was called a kaffir. My team-mates dealt with the culprits. I don’t let it get me down. It makes me play harder. I love all these guys, they are my friends.”
Daniel Halforty, who can also lay claim to some Italian heritage and who plays prop for the team, said he does not see black, white or Indian when playing. “People have made racism an issue on social media. It is not an issue if you just treat people normally. I love playing with all these players.”
Abdullah Rehman, said, “I love rugby. I played at school. I do not worry if there are no other Indians here.
“I am just doing my best and I love and respect all my fellow players who have made me feel welcome.” Abdullah says he has ‘ nothing to fear’ and is not bothered about racism. “I am here to play. I would just love it if more Indian families would come out on a Saturday afternoon and support their local rugby team. That would be nice.”
Ogies Innocent Mbanayi, says there is plenty of banter between players. “We love teasing each other. It is fun and builds team spirit. We are like brothers here. We all play for Sentraal and we are all South Africans. We have trust and have each other’s backs – just like it should be. That is real friendship.”
Team captain, Henk Booysen, said, “We play hard for each other on the field. We are like a family. And we carry out this attitude off the field. That is the way it must be. We cannot change the past. No one can. But sport can help build lasting friendships and respect. I cannot tolerate any racism. We care for one another – if one of our team mates has a problem, we are there for him. If there is a family crisis, we are there for him.
“You cannot judge a book by its cover or a person by their colour. Look at the content, the character. Treat people as you want to be treated. Simple.

You may also like:

‘No human is born racist’ – Naresh Gopie

‘Respect. That’s the way to overcome racism’ – Sipho Mbatha

‘I embraced the changes’ – FC Bester

Racism is wrong and it damages all communities