Madibaz Rugby Club’s strategic partnership with Gqeberha’s Ithembelihle Comprehensive School is currently at the pilot stage to cater for surrounding townships schools.

Started three years ago, the Madibaz Rugby Schools Engagement Programme seeks to introduce talented rugby players from schools in New Brighton, KwaZakhele and Zwide to the Madibaz Rugby recruitment system through rugby bursary opportunities.

The intention is to pave a way for these youngsters to potentially represent Madibaz at institutional and federation competitions while giving them the chance to reach their personal academic and sporting goals.

High-performance skills transfer programmes, for pupils, teachers and rugby coaches, include tutoring to ensure they meet university academic requirements, experiential learning and coaching clinics.

The programme has already yielded exceptional results.

In 2023, Ndzondelelo High School pupil Sibabalwe ‘Beast’ Booi, who also plays for the Ithembelihle Comprehensive combined team at various invitational tournaments, represented the Eastern Province Craven Week side.

Not only was he also selected for the national U18 B team, but he is now contracted by the Free State Cheetahs franchise.

Another programme graduate, Mugsin Banzi, is currently part of Madibaz’ 2024 FNB Varsity Shield squad.

Madibaz Rugby manager Mthunzi Hewu says the programme is playing a role in keeping talented players in the Eastern Cape. Hewu is himself an alumnus of Ithembelihle and understands the challenges that come with limited opportunities.

When Madibaz realised that many learners were not meeting university requirements and Varsity Shield eligibility simply because they lacked internet access and had no knowledge of the application process, the programme was expanded to benefit the school, university and rugby club.

A tutoring and mentorship programme involving Nelson Mandela University’s highest academic-achieving students from the university’s chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society, was introduced. Crucially, the programme was aimed at all students, not only those interested in rugby.

“This intervention notably improved students' academic performance, facilitating their admission to the university and eligibility to play for the rugby club,” Hewu says.

“Taking it a step further, the rugby club began guiding pupils through the university application process.

“It provides transportation for Golden Key students from the university to Thembelihle for tutoring of pupils in the township schools. The future plan is to organise buses and cars to facilitate students' journey to and from the university’s Missionvale campus.”

This campus will then serve as a central point to cater to participants from other areas as well, including Gqeberha’s northern areas, KwaMagxaki and KwaDwesi.