When the Covid-19 pandemic hit South Africa more than four years ago, Mogammad Sauliegh Arendse from Surrey Estate in Athlone, now a loose forward at the Boland Cavaliers, was part of the Western Province Supersport Challenge which was subsequently cancelled in line with all covid protocols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, that did not stop him from his routine training. \u201cAll sport came to a halt, but I continued training in case if something came up I would be ready. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFranzel September, the former coach of the Boland Cavaliers, called me and invited me to attend the trials in Wellington. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen I was granted that opportunity, there was a lot of emotion, excitement and nerves as it was always something I\u2019ve prayed for,\u201d says Arendse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI come from a community with a lot of social issues. Drugs and gangsterism are a daily norm. I saw children fall into that trap and being abused and used by those leaders and opted not to be part of that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnother issue in Athlone and surrounding areas is children dropping out of school and the disrespect they have towards their parents is unbelievable. Through rugby, I want to be living proof that if you have a dream or a goal nothing is impossible by the will of Allah. If you believe and have faith and put in the hard work no matter your circumstances or situation, positive things can happen for you,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Covid-19 pandemic was responsible for the rise in the unemployment rate, companies closed down and work was scarce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI got a bursary to study to become a caregiver, and I am qualified as a caregiver, a positive after the pandemic when the world was turned upside down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy aim is to take Boland Cavaliers back to the big leagues competing in the Currie Cup Premier Division and then move on to the United Rugby Championship,\u201d Arendse says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He prefers rugby as a sport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He says it is the only sport for him that challenges physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.\u201cIt\u2019s a sport I grew up playing, the environment where I\u2019ve met the most amazing people and rugby played a big part in my life for the person I am today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI support Boland Cavaliers because there is only one land and that is Boland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve also been a big fan of Auckland Blues in New Zealand for the style of rugby they play and the players they produced through the years. Players from NZ I admire are Alie Williams and Rene Ranger, and locally Ikraam Benting and Francois Louw. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRanger inspired me through his actions on the field whether it was on attack or defence, it\u2019s all business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOff the field, Ranger is down to earth, humble and always smiling,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His ultimate goal will always be to represent South Africa on the highest level but for now, he wants to be the best in his position and Boland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cherry on the cake will be when the Boland Cavaliers play in the Currie Cup Premier Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When he is not training or playing rugby he enjoys fishing, hiking and being out in nature.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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