Ten boys from each of these schools will form the Mogale Warriors team and travel to the UK this October to compete in The Tullow Oil touraid Cup. Both schools cater for children in the surrounding area who generally walk miles every day to attend lessons. There are no sporting facilities at either school so the boys are learning to play rugby at the soccer fields in the village.
The U13 children are able to embark on the tour to the UK because of the kind sponsorship of Lonmin, a primary producer of Platinum Group Metals who has extensive mining operations in Rustenberg and who provide employment to many of the parents of the school children.
Until recently most of the children had never played rugby before but thanks to Michael Collinson, CEO of the Rugby charity SKRUM, they have taken their first steps towards playing in the Cup. The SKRUM coaches spent two days with the youngsters teaching the basic skills of the game, much to the children's delight.
Steve Reynolds on his teaching sabbatical for SKRUM coaching the pupils from Bapo and Nkumkime Primary Schools
SKRUM CEO Michael Collinson said, "Andy Berry the CEO of touraid asked if we could help out with coaching and the preparation of the team and of course we were all too happy to help out and assist the young players and teachers."
If attitude and enthusiasm is anything to go by these new young rugby players from Moonoi in Rustenberg are going to have a very successful and enjoyable tour in October.
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