A talented young touch-rugby player from Strand is within touching distance of her dream to participate in the 2024 Junior Interprovincial Touch Rugby Tournament after being selected for the Western Cape Touch Association’s u-15 team.
The Gustrouw team member, Nuraan le Roux hopes to be in touchies action at the upcoming provincial tournament to be held in Bergvliet next month (September). However, the 11-year-old’s dream of flying the province’s flag in her favourite sporting code hangs in the balance due to a lack of funds to realise the opportunity.
Nuraan was introduced to the sport at a tender age while tagging along to matches with her father, Josua, who then represented Macassar Rugby Club. Instantly mesmerised by the sport, she quickly started honing her skills by playing the game with the boys in her neighbourhood.
“Nuraan just wanted to be outside with the boys because she wanted the ball in her hand,” her doting grandmother, Maina Rhoda, said.
Recognising her love for the game, her parents approached Gaamiela Josephs, the 22-year-old coach of the Helderberg Wolves Touch Rugby Club who invited her to join the team. The Grade 5 Strand Moslem Primary School learner now lives and breathes touch rugby, spending hours on YouTube to brush up on her sporting knowledge and physically engrossing herself in the sport.
“Nuraan is dedicated and never misses training,” added Josephs.
She accompanied her to the recent Western Cape Touch Association trials, which took place at Abattoir Sports Ground. Nuraan rendered sterling performances, which resulted in her selection.
The talented touchies star and her family were elated by the news, which was received by her mother, Slowrien, on Sunday 26 May. Since then, the family has been trying to raise the necessary funds to realise her participation in the tourney. This as touch rugby is a non-funded sport, and consequently the responsibility lies with athletes to ensure they have the necessary funds to be able to compete.
“We have to get funding for everything,” her mother said, “she needs new rugby boots, a new bag among other essential items.”
Despite the obstacles they face as a single-income household, Slowrien and Josua are doing everything in their power to ensure Nuraan can compete. In addition to fundraising initiatives, they have also started a raffle, which affords the lucky winner a photoshoot.
“I just want her to enjoy herself,” said Slowrien.
Nuraan just wants to play and is looking forward to touching the field at Zwaanswyk High School.
“Touch rugby means the world to me,” shared Nuraan.
VAnyone willing to support Nuraan financially, or interested in entering the raffle, can phone Slowrien on 078 085 4992.
