Over a decade ago Lincoln Mali set up a rugby festival for Township schools in and around Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

The ambition was to establish a lasting legacy for his rugby loving father, to reinvigorate interest in local rugby, to provide support and incentives to keep young people in education and to make a beneficial connection to their communities.

The schools rugby tournament, and the lives it influences, has grown year on year to include many schools from Townships and Villages across the Eastern Cape Province.

This year’s tournament will feature 54 schools from the Eastern Cape area.

Please visit: https://www.mzwandilemalischoolsrugby.com/

“Rugby was introduced to the Eastern Cape in the 1880’s. The first black rugby club, the Union Rugby Football Club, was formed in 1887 in Port Elizabeth  followed in 1894 by the establishment of the Orientals Rugby Football Club (The Blues).

My father Mzwandile Mali played rugby for Cowan High School during the 1950’s, and later for the Orientals RFC. I was born into this tradition and played rugby at Mzontsundu Secondary School, Newell High, and Ithembelihle High School.  I achieved my rugby Provincial Colours in 1985, when I was selected along with my dear friend Namhla Mjo, to play for the Kwaru Colts. I later played rugby for our local club, Springrose RFC. Once I reached university level I then played for the Rhodes University rugby team.

Township rugby was vibrant in schools and clubs until the turbulent times of political strife in the 1980’s. Over time, due to poor administration, lack of sponsorship and the growth of other sporting codes, township schools rugby was negatively impacted across the Eastern Cape.

In response to this, I initiated and sponsored the Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Tournament”

We are raising funds to cover the costs of the Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Tournament, where 54 schools will compete. At the end of the tournament, the MMXV 2025 Squad will be selected.

We also need funds for three training camps because the MMXV 2025 have been invited to these tournaments

• St. Stithians Easter Rugby Festival (Johannesburg)
• Grey High Rugby Festival (Gqeberha)
• NMI Toyota NoordSuid Rugby Tournament (Stellenbosch)

Find out more Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby