Giving up not an option for USA–bound rugby star
MKHANYISI Buthelezi from Empangeni was just six years old when he started playing rugby at home with his older siblings.
Thirteen years on, the young lad is on the verge of realising his dream of playing in one of the biggest rugby leagues in the world, through an opportunity to undertake his tertiary studies in the USA.
Once there, he will improve his rugby while on the radar of hundreds of clubs in Europe, and pursue an academic qualification in sports marketing – a deep passion of his.
Mkhanyisi has dreamed of becoming a professional Major League Rugby (MLR) player since Grade 7 when he was selected for the Junior Sharks U13 team.
This exposed him to an endless world of opportunities.
“Later on, I was blessed with an opportunity to join one of the finest schools in South Africa; St Charles College in Pietermaritzburg, where I played for the first teams of both the
XV-man and Sevens," he said.
The school's rugby programme aims to develop strong and confident young men by focusing on a strong base of conditioning, upskilling and mentorship.
Contributing factors to their success is the hard work put in by coaches, players and support staff.
The school's education programme works closely with Cambridge Assessment, Universities South
Africa (USAF) and the SA Qualifications Assurer
(SAQA), which ensures qualifications obtained at St Charles College open the door for pupils to study at tertiary institutions both locally and abroad, in at least 160 countries across the globe.
Mkhanyisi's enrolment at the school meant these opportunities would be open to him once he matriculates.
Now that he is ready to cross that bridge, the youngster needs assistance, such as financial sponsorship and funding, to meet his costs of travelling to the USA in August.
“It is heart-breaking when one hangs up their boots because of financial obstacles,” he said.
“Each and every single person’s dreams are an installation of what they could potentially achieve, to inspire hope to those coming from similar situations, and to elevate your loved ones from financial discomfort.”
Anyone able to support Mkhanyisi can follow this link: https://gogetfunding.com/ mkhanyisi-butheleziusa-rugby-dream/ or contact Mkhanyisi
Buthelezi on
+27 61 452 0705.