A dream born on the dusty rugby fields of KuGompo City is edging closer to becoming reality for 17-year-old John Bisseker High pupil Sindile Lenkalisi. But before he can showcase his talent on a bigger stage, the promising winger needs the support of his community to overcome one final hurdle. Selected to attend prestigious rugby trials hosted by the South African Touch Association (SATA) in Johannesburg from September 26-29, alongside two of his school teammates, Lenkalisi is chasing more than just a place in the squad.
He is pursuing a lifelong dream built on determination, discipline and the hope of one day wearing the Springbok jersey.
“I have always dreamed of representing my community and my school on a bigger stage,” said the Grade 11 pupil.
“I want to show the world that players from the Eastern Cape are capable of achieving great things.
“This is an opportunity for me to follow in the footsteps of my heroes, Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi, who also came from backgrounds similar to mine.”
Lenkalisi was selected together with fellow John Bisseker High School wingers Ranique Lottering, 17, and Camoran Shebe, 17, following successful trials held at Ebenezer Majombozi High School on February 14.
However, while they are preparing for their most exciting trip by far, Lenkalisi’s place remains uncertain. His family is struggling to raise the R3,400 needed to cover transport, meals and other travel expenses.
Living with his grandmother, Zukiswa Mathole, 62, in a government-provided home, Lenkalisi says his family cannot afford the costs.
“For me, this is an opportunity I have been preparing for since Grade 8,” he said.
“My situation at home is difficult financially, and I need all the help I can get. I don’t want to miss this chance because it could change my life.”
Lenkalisi said rugby has transformed his outlook on life and given him the confidence to dream beyond the boundaries of his neighbourhood.
“I have realised that my dream is to play for the Border Bulldogs and eventually for the Springboks, just like Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi. If I don’t attend these trials, I could miss the opportunity to be seen by scouts.”
He hopes to impress selectors from the South African Touch Association during the trials and hopefully be selected into the Touchboks to represent the pinnacle of touch rugby talent in SA.
“We are going to play a lot of games each at the trials, and all I want is the opportunity to show the scouts what I can do. I know I have the ability.”
Away from the rugby field, Lenkalisi draws inspiration from the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, whose message of hope and positive change continues to motivate him.
“He always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. I want to do the same by changing my family’s circumstances and giving hope to people in my community through rugby.”
Mathole believes sport has kept her grandson focused despite the many challenges facing young people in township communities.
“I’m grateful to this boy for everything he does at school and at home,” she said.
“He is respectful, hardworking and listens to his teachers. So many young people are losing their lives to drugs, but Sindile chose sport.
“I just want him to succeed because he is determined and willing to work hard for his future,” said Mathole.
As his dream hangs in the balance, Lenkalisi remains hopeful that the generosity of KuGompo community will help him take the next step towards a future he has worked tirelessly to achieve.
For the young winger, the trip to Johannesburg represents far more than a trip – it is a chance to prove that talent, wherever it comes from, deserves an opportunity to shine.
