A young promising Griffons rugby player, Oratile Pule, is one of a handful of U16 rugby players who have been selected to represent South Africa in Ireland between 9 and 18 December.
Oratile is a learner at the Riebeeckstad High School and he began playing rugby for his school in 2020.
His aunt, Aidan Mogorosi, who is leading a campaign to get funding for her nephew to travel to Ireland, says soon after he started playing he was approached by the rugby coach of the Virginia Sports Academy at a school match. He was included in the school squad as the youngest player to play in the U16 team, despite being only 14 years old.
Riebeeckstad High sent Oratile to the Griffons that year, 2020, but Covid-19 interrupted his aspirations.
“But as soon as the restrictions were lifted, Oratile returned to the trials and he was chosen to play for the Sandveld Rugby team. He was chosen to play for the Griffons Platteland U16 team.
“We travelled to Graaff-Reinet, KwaZulu-Natal (Kings Park Stadium), and Heidelberg.
“He was chosen by Travel and Sport as the best player (kicking prop) to represent South Africa in Ireland in December,” says Mogorosi.
The tour expenses amount to just under R39 000, excluding meals and pocket money.
“When it comes to pursuing our God-given talents, coming from the dusty streets of Thabong, finances are always a huge factor,” says Oratile.
He describes his parents as hardworking, law-abiding citizens who saw an opportunity to improve his rugby ability by enrolling him at the Riebeeckstad High School.
“This school is deemed to be big on sports, and it has paid off through my achievements thus far.
“The Ireland tour will be a fantastic opportunity for me to pursue my dream of representing South Africa in the international arena one day.”
To support Oratile in his rugby career dial 073-827-5612 or 084-213-5649.
