Barberton rugby star needs support for Italy dream
With your help, Thando Ngwenya is set to fly Barberton’s flag high at a prestigious rugby tournament in Italy.

Eighteen-year-old Thando Ngwenya, a matric learner at Barberton High School, has been chasing the oval ball, and his dream, since he was just nine years old. Now, that dream has brought him to the brink of an incredible opportunity: representing Barberton, his school, and South Africa in a prestigious rugby tournament held in Italy in October.
For Thando, rugby is more than just a sport, it’s a way of life. Inspired by his older brother Vukani Ngwenya, who played at Craven Week in 2022, Thando has spent nearly his entire school career building his name and legacy on the field.
He was first introduced to the game as a pupil of Barberton Primary School. Even an early injury in high school, which took him out of the game for a year couldn’t dampen his determination. “Change the plan, but not the dream,” he said with quiet conviction.

Thando’s rugby record speaks for itself:
- Captain of the u/15 and u/16 teams, earning Best Junior Player and Best Junior 7s Player.
- At 16, he cracked Barberton High’s First XV, wearing the no. 10 jersey.
- In 2024, he was named Best Senior 7s Player and captained the school’s sevens side.
- Now, as captain of the First XV in his matric year, he has led his team to the semi-finals.
His motto comes straight from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s that faith, combined with hard work, that has earned Thando a coveted place at the upcoming rugby tournament in Italy.

“This is my chance to show what I can do, to represent my school, my town, and my country,” Thando says. “I believe that God has a plan for me, and I won’t give up, no matter what.”
His father Mduduzi said that he is very proud of his son’s achievements. “I wish him all the best in his rugby career and he must continue to make us proud.” When his mother, Precious was asked how she feels about his rugby career and achievements, she said that she is shocked he grew up so quickly. “ I am so happy, I just don’t know what to do,” she added smiling.

Thando now needs the support of the Barberton community to raise funds for his trip. Any contribution, big or small, will help this young man chase his dream of becoming a professional rugby player, and one day, who knows, wear the green and gold of South Africa.
To support Thando Ngwenya’s trip to Italy, please contact his father, Mduduzi Ngwenya on +27 76 133 9832, or donate directly into the following bank account. MC Ngwenya, Capitec, Account number 1530570040. You can also send him an email here.

• 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚞𝚋𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠𝚜, 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚌t Lynette 𝚟𝚒𝚊 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕 (editor@dekaapecho.co.za).
• 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚜, 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚎𝚗𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜, 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝙰𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚟𝚒𝚊 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕 (𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚗@𝚒𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚞𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚊.𝚌𝚘𝚖) 𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚜𝙰𝚙𝚙 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎.
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