Local superstar to compete in the Touch Rugby World Cup

A Bryanston resident will soon be making one of his biggest goals a reality when he heads to Malaysia to compete in the Touch Rugby World Cup.

Nolo Madumo, a passionate touch rugby player, originally started his career as a rugby player in high school. However, following a broken collarbone during a derby match in his matric year, Madumo became intrigued by touch rugby.

In the 10 years that have passed since his broken collarbone, Madumo has dedicated nearly all of his time to train and remain fit for touch rugby.

“I far prefer touch rugby, it’s really a test of skill and thinking and your decisions have to be made within a split second,” he said. Last year, Madumo competed in the interprovincial tournament in Gauteng and put his name forward to become part of the world cup team. About 80 players participated in trials and Madumo was delighted to be named as one of the squad members for the world cup team.

“I was ecstatic, it was surreal, not only to be selected but to represent my country.”

The world cup will take place from 29 April to 4 May and while the tournament is just six days they will be incredibly gruelling as the team will play between three and four matches each day. Training for the tournament began long ago and Madumo trains and goes to the gym between seven and nine times a week, only taking a break on Friday.

Madumo said he was really proud of the South African team and believed they have what it takes to perform well this year. South Africa has fared well in the international rankings and is currently listed as fourth internationally. In their pool, the team will compete against Australia, who are currently ranked first.

Madumo explained that each of the players would have to self-fund their trip and needed to raise about R30 000 a player to participate in the world cup. He said so far his friends and family have been incredibly supportive of his dreams, however, obtaining business sponsorships were more challenging. Aside from their trip to Malaysia, players also hope to raise funds for as many training camps as possible leading up to the world cup to better prepare.

When he first began playing Madumo said he had many doubts about whether or not he would make it to a national level and feels incredibly proud to compete for his country in a world cup.

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