02/07/2021
OLD SELBORNIAN and TUKS VARSITY CUP-WINNING CAPTAIN SANGO XAMLASHE LOOKING TO GIVE BACK, BUT HE NEEDS YOUR HELP!
University of Pretoria Tuks Varsity Cup-winning captain SANGO XAMLASHE, together with the Nexus Network have signalled their intent to give back, to grassroots rugby.
When Xamlashe led out the Tuks side into Varsity Cup battle in April this year, he made history as he became the first black captain of the institution’s rugby side. In doing so Xamlashe birthed a dream and hope into many a young black sporting hopeful around the country, particularly in his native of the Eastern Cape.
As Xamlashe then went all the way to lift the trophy, he made the dream more believable. With that dream becoming more tangible, he has now decided to embark on a journey to assist the next generation that he allowed to dream, to actually take their first steps of trying to make the dream a reality.
XAMLASHE ELABORATES ON THE CAMPAIGN
Xamlashe and the Nexus Network have since come up with a concept that they hope will help assist in unearthing more talent in the Eastern Cape, with a drive called the “Give a ball campaign”.
“The sole purpose of the campaign is to collect as many rugby balls as possible and distribute them to as many deserving rugby academies as possible,” said Xamlashe.
Xamlashe confirms that as it stands they have identified two academies that they deem as eligible for this potential assistance, those academies namely being the Mzansi’s Rugby Academy as well as the Eye of the Tiger Academy.
“We are trying to initiate growth in these academies as we understand that post-Covid, they’ve become a bit stagnant in resources,” he said.
XAMLASHE WOULD BE HAPPY TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE
Xamlashe also states that he would love and welcome any form of donation towards this organization, whether it is through physically dropping off these balls or monetary donations to their crowdfund link that they have recently created.
“We are looking to donate at least 10 balls per age group, we would also like the sizes of the rugby balls to vary between size 3, 4 and 5. We would also like to mobilize as many organizations in the Eastern Cape and further to join in and recognize how tough the effects of Covid have been on these academies, and hopefully come in and assist us on this campaign, any other rugby equipment can also be donated” he said.
LOOKING TO MAKE IT A PERMANENT CAMPAIGN
The former Selborne College first team captain then reiterated his desire to make sure that this campaign lives on for years to come and does just become a temporary solution.
“In the long run, I’d like to start a non-profit organization that will be able to do this on a regular sustainable basis. It would be great to get a base of people or organizations who could help me with this”
CRITERIA FOR ASSISTANCE REVEALED
Xamlashe then revealed the criteria academies would have to satisfy in order to receive this assistance.
“Our target is academies that are already functioning, places doing a lot with the little that they have and just require that extra push”
DROP OFF POINTS AND DETAILS
He also revealed that there would be two places for the physical drop-offs in East London and Pretoria. “The two-drop off zones identified are Selborne College in East London, as well as Tuks Rugby Office in South Street, in Pretoria”.
Watch: Xamlashe speaks on the campaign
https://youtu.be/6OpEtXoOLcU
DROP OFF ZONES DETAILS:
SELBORNE COLLEGE (leave with security at main gate), Dawson Road, Selborne, East London, 5213
TUKS RUGBY OFFICE, 1304 South Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028
You can kindly donate funds to this link: https://gogetfunding.com/give-a-ball-campaign-the-nexus-network/
AUTHOR: YOLULWE QOSHE (Also an Old Selbornian)
Aspiring Sports journalist and broadcaster from East London, South Africa. Matriculated at Selborne College (2013). Journalism & Media Studies Graduate at Rhodes University with Radio and multimedia specialization. Published 20 times and now a Freelancer for the premier newspaper publication of my province (Eastern Cape) The Daily Dispatch. Sports writer of the year Grocott's Mail Sport 2015 (Grahamstown newspaper publication) where I was previously employed as a mentor, writer and reporter/presenter. I also covered Super Rugby and Currie Cup games for the publication. My vocals have also been used for various media purposes both at university and commercial level. I am now also a Freelancer for Grit Sports Media and Rugby365.
Sango Xamlashe and The Nexus Network have identified a need to provide resources to needing rugby academies and schools. We all have seen the set backs Covid-19 has created and as a result we have decided to initiate this program to help assist where we can. Give a ball campaign strives to provide d
