By Lucky Maree
In a rural area east of Colesberg Northern Cape, accessible only by 50kms of crumbling dirt roads, is the Umthombo Wolwazi school of the Hantam Community Education Trust.
Whether the 243 pupils know it or not, they have an historic link to one of the most famous South African rugby families in the country. What they do know is that the World Cup starts in a week’s time.
Last week Springbok fever took hold of the school with a face painting competition, the heart-felt singing of the national anthem and the pure joy of having a South African team competing at the ultimate world championship of rugby.
If the school is an indication of national opinion (as it might well be) some of the kids love Canan Moodie, others love Eben Etzebeth, but mostly, the hero of the school is captain Siya Kolisi.
The Hantam Trust has a rich Springbok history. The trust was founded by Lesley Osler, the wife of Maeder Osler. Maeder is the son of former Springbok scrumhalf Stanley Osler and nephew of Bennie Osler, one of the greatest Springboks of all time. Maeder lives in Colesberg.
This weekend we see World Cup action for the first time this year. Excellence and commitment will get the Boks over their first hurdle when they play Scotland in a crunch game – but if they are short of some love and passion, the kids from the Hantam Trust will add that little bit extra.
Pictured above: The fact that she is a girl, does not deter this ardent little fan in the least. One day, she wants to play rugby like Eben Etzebeth.
Image source: Supplied
