The 2024 edition of the Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Tournament, partnered by Standard Bank was launched on Friday, 9th February, at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton, Gqeberha. The launch was attended by sponsors (Standard Bank and SuperSport Schools), various media houses, 20 selected schools, school principals & coaches, rugby veterans, and various stakeholders like Nelson Mandela municipality, national and provincial department of sport, arts and culture, provincial department of education and other invited guests.
The tournament starts on the 13th February at Thubalethu High School in Fort Beaufort, with 4 schools participating, while the Gqeberha leg, starts at Adcock Stadium on the 14th February, with 20 selected schools. The Standard Bank sponsorship brings to the tournament their vast experience and expertise in schools rugby.
Standard Bank comment, “Our origins are deeply entrenched in Gqeberha and we are proud to be associating with the Lincoln Mali Leadership Foundation for this tournament. We are strong believers in development, and in enabling the fulfilment of dreams and aspirations, this tournament fits the mould of our purpose to drive Africa’s growth,” says Unathi Maqalekane Head of Standard Bank in the Eastern Cape.
The Lincoln Mali Leadership Foundation is donating R150 000 towards the tournament prizes:
• Winning school : R50 000,
• Runner up school : R25 000
• Semi Finalists : R 10 000 each
• Player of the tournament : R 10 0000 plus a R10 000 bursary
• Winning coach : R10 000
• Forward player of the tournament : R 5000
• Backline player of the tournament : R 5000
• Regional winners in Fort Beaufort : R 5000
• Regional Runners up : R 2500
• Best supporting school : R 2 500 at the Finals
Lincoln Mali comment, “We see this tournament as one of the building blocks to the revival and development of schools rugby in townships and villages in the Eastern Cape where rugby has been played for more than 130 years. SuperSport Schools will broadcast all the games on both their App and channel 216 on DSTV. This will give township schools rugby players an opportunity to showcase their skills and talents to a broader audience of potential coaches, clubs and universities.”
SuperSport Schools comment, “SuperSport Schools is very proud to be associated with the Lincoln Mali Leadership Foundation and this incredible grassroots rugby initiative in the Eastern Cape. For all the players and coaches, this is your time to shine, SuperSport Schools will be there for every match to ensure your family, friends and communities will get to watch the rugby they care about most.”
The finals of the tournament will be played on the 15th March 2024, at Wolfson Stadium in Kwazakhele Gqeberha. A squad of 22 of the best players from the tournament will be chosen to be part of the Mzwandile Mali XV. This team has been invited by the Sevenoaks Rugby Football Club in Kent to tour England from the 5 October to 13 October 2024. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for these young players, many of whom would be leaving their towns and cities for the first time in their lives.
Stephen Fitzmaurice, Chairman of Sevenoaks Rugby Football Club expressed his views about the upcoming tour,
We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to the selected team of the Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Tournament to join us for a week of rugby festivities at Sevenoaks. Throughout the week, there will be various activities, including training sessions, friendly matches, and cultural exchanges, to ensure an enriching experience for all participants. We are confident that the exchange will be mutually beneficial, promoting cultural understanding and enhancing the skills and camaraderie of our young rugby enthusiasts.”
