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Senatla inspires in Mitchells Plain

PUBLISHED: September 14, 2016


Tafelsig High learners got to meet one of South Africa’s rugby heroes when DHL Western Province flyer and Olympic medallist Seabelo Senatla visited the school on Wednesday.

Tafelsig High learners got to meet one of South Africa’s rugby heroes when DHL Western Province flyer and Olympic medallist Seabelo Senatla visited the school on Wednesday.

He was there to launch Currie Cup sponsor DirectAxis’ school scholarships, which will see the financial services company provide R250 000 to cover school fees and other education-related expenses for high-school learners.

Standing next to the Currie Cup, Senatla told the learners that no matter where they came from, or what their personal circumstances they could choose to be great.

“Greatness is in yourself. You can be whatever you want to be, if you work hard at it and if you really believe you want to be that. It’s a choice,” he said, reflecting on his childhood years in Welkom, when his first love was football.

Answering questions from some of the school’s U19 players he emphasised the importance of education and that it was a vital foundation for professional sports people.

“Sport and education go hand in hand,” he told them. “That’s how I got my scholarship.”

Tafelsig High was selected for the launch event as the school’s U15 and U19 teams won the Mitchells Plain league, despite the players having to practice in the paved courtyard and the match field not having any poles.

The players from both teams will get another chance to see some of their heroes in action when DHL Western Province play the Steval Pumas at DHL Newlands on Saturday 17 September.

DirectAxis has provided 50 tickets, transport and supporters’ packs for the teams and Tafelsig High teachers to attend.

“Our business is about helping people take advantage of life’s opportunities. Giving these young players and others around the country a chance to see a Currie Cup game, which they might otherwise not have had is part of that. The scholarship programme to support high school learners is another,” said Emanuel Cristaudo, CEO of DirectAxis Financial Services.