Creating A Platform For The Springbok Team Of The Future
The revival of township school rugby has come.
This annual Tournament seeks to create opportunities for rugby-players from impoverished backgrounds and honour the legacy of the rugby stalwart Mzwandile Mali.
Announcements
Mzwandile Mali XV 2025
Mzwandile Mali Invitational XV
REMEMBERING MZWANDILE WELLINGTON MALI
“On this day, 10 years ago, I lost my father, mentor and friend, Mzwandile Wellington Mali. He did not leave us a will, as he had no material riches to bequeath. He left us a rich legacy of leadership, selflessness, integrity, probity, excellence and a remarkable reputation for standing up for his beliefs, principles, values and the truth regardless of personal consequences. His was a life well lived and an example to be emulated. May his soul rest in eternal peace, we will endeavor to match our tiny footsteps to his giant steps. Lala ngoxolo Lawu, Chwama, Dibashe, icekwa lilele nathi.”
2024
Tournament Videos
HISTORY
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 to:
• Honour the legacy of my father
• Revive school’s rugby in townships
• Provide a feeder to the club and provincial rugby system
Reviving school rugby through the Tournament unearths hidden talent and creates excitement about rugby throughout the Eastern Cape and beyond. Boys learn valuable lessons that they can carry with them into adulthood.
How It Works
Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Tournament
The 2025 edition of the Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Tournament, proudly sponsored by Standard Bank, was officially launched on Friday, 9th February, at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton, Gqeberha. This year’s launch event marked a significant milestone, with the tournament expanding to 54 schools, a testament to its growing impact and the commitment to nurturing rugby talent in the Eastern Cape.
The launch was well-attended, bringing together sponsors (Standard Bank and SuperSport Schools), various media houses, school principals and coaches, rugby veterans, and key stakeholders, including representatives from Nelson Mandela Municipality, the National and Provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Provincial Department of Education, and other invited guests.
The tournament kicked off on the 13th of February at Thubalethu High School in Fort Beaufort, featuring four participating schools. The Gqeberha leg of the tournament followed on the 14th of February at Adcock Stadium, showcasing the expanded list of 54 selected schools. The involvement of Standard Bank brought significant expertise and support, elevating the tournament’s profile and impact in schools rugby.
PRIZE-GIVING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Lincoln Mali Leadership Foundation is donating R150 000 towards the tournament prizes
Team 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
Mzwandile Mali Rugby Team
The best 22 players from all of the games played in Port Elizabeth and Fort Beaufort will be invited to form part of the Mzwandile Mali Rugby Team.
We hope that this team will represent the best of what our young Eastern Cape township rugby talent has to offer, and that in so doing they are able to participate in games with established local schools, and attract further attention from local rugby scouts and clubs.
These players will also form part of the team who have been invited to go on tour in September. They will be hosted by the Sevenoaks Rugby Football Club, based in Kent, England.
Gallery
2025 Tournament
2025 Tournament Launch
2024 Tournament
2020 Tournament
2019 Tournament
