An invitation to represent a South African Warriors Legacy team at the Emirates Dubai 7s tournament in December is the opportunity of a lifetime that not long ago seemed impossible for 18-year-old Grant Booysen.
Growing up with nine siblings in Lwandle, Booysen has so far had a tough upbringing in a family where finances were always tight, which affected his education and chances to attend school.
He started playing rugby in his primary-school days at Danie Ackermann and Rusthof primary schools, but soon afterwards dropped out of school due to financial restraints. Booysen now attends night classes at Strand Secondary School and plays beach touch rugby for the Forward Foundation.
In some ways that proved to be a blessing in disguise for his sporting prowess; due to the fact that he wasn’t in a school that offered rugby as a sport, it allowed Booysen to play rugby for Parel Vallei High School where his rugby really flourished.
He was scouted by PV’s rugby coach Jan Pretorius, a former professional weightlifter and avid rugby coach who had stints in Gauteng and helped develop provincial rugby players. Today he trains players at his house, where he uses a garage as a makeshift gym.
“My main focus is the development of underprivileged rugby players, and when a coach told me about some players who required transport I met Grant,” Pretorius recalled.
“I immediately took him into my programme and started him off with the under-15 B team. He progressed to the A-team and afterwards under-16 teams and afterwards the under-19 third team, all the way to the first team.
“Grant responded well to the training and practices, and over the past four years I’ve really seen him develop and improve his skills. He has gained a lot of confidence and is excelling in rugby.”
Last year Booysen played for the school’s sevens rugby team, and afterwards a tour hosted by Tygerberg Sevens where he really impressed scouts.
Booysen was humbled and excited when he received the invitation to the tournament in Dubai, one of the largest tournaments in the world that will provide him with exposure to professional rugby officers that can change his life forever.
“It’s an opportunity that I really want to take advantage of and I hope that I can raise the funds needed,” he said.
He needs R36 500 for most of his expenses aside from other activities and spending money. Pretorius added that donations of simple items such as rugby boots and gear will go a long way for someone who has close to nothing.
- To support Booysen’s dream, call Pretorius on 083 609 8919.
