The richness of rugby talent in the Eastern Cape knows no boundaries. At the heart of this is club rugby, which is known for annually producing fresh, young, and exciting players, often not enjoying the exposure they deserve.
Combining his passion for grassroots level rugby, photo and videography, as well as his social media and information technology expertise, Fahmy Abrahams from Kariega established a rugby playfield of a different kind, building the largest social media network for Club Rugby In Eastern Cape.
“It is gaining popularity not only amongst the club rugby fraternity of the Eastern Cape, but also other provinces and even abroad. Several articles, including photography and videography have reached places such as the Northern shores of Ireland, France, Argentina and Romania. I have had the opportunity to engage with various other rugby clubs around the world and they are intrigued by our rugby culture,” said Fahmy Abrahams.
“Previously only a club and its supporters knew about their players, coaches, and officials. But now, through the Club Rugby in Eastern Cape social media platforms there is the opportunity to showcase talent from all the clubs, to meet the players, coaches, and officials from all the Eastern Cape clubs involved in the Grand Challenge.”
Fahmy started the Club Rugby in Eastern Cape Facebook page during March 2022 and is already hitting 4 535 people following it. Club Rugby In Eastern Cape attracted other rugby unions who are also following the daily content like Valke, CellC Sharks, Blue Bulls and Griffons.
As an IT fundi that works shifts, Fahmy’s time is limited and so are his resources, but there is no restriction when it comes to his passion and work ethics.
He captures and uploads photos and video clips of players in action, officials, supporters, and some behind the scenes throughout the season. This includes teams such as Gardens, Progress, Star of Hope, Despatch Oostelikes, Trying Stars, Park, Harlequins, Madibaz, Kruisfontein and Despatch to name a few.
“It goes deeper, it is not about just standing there with a camera or being a photographer. There is a lot more behind it. Capturing images that portrays a form of emotion, posting it to inspire our youngsters. To create hope and excitement, people underestimate the unity that sport brings to all ages. That is the beauty of it.”
“With me it is not about taking that perfect picture and posting only that. What I capture I post. Supporters are the heart of the game, that is why the pictures I take express emotion and conveys a story to be told.”
What he is very strict on is negativity. “I do not tolerate any form of negativity. If this becomes known, I will address it immediately and provide an explanation for the action taken.”
Role models and heroes
“Club Rugby In Eastern Cape is not about myself, but ultimately for the youth at large. While at a game, I see the youngsters on the side playing their own little touch rugby game. They are passionate about rugby and look up to the club rugby players.
“Those rugby players are a community’s heroes and role models. They are a form of inspiration for the younger generation and years from now, those youngsters might play for the club they support.”
Fahmy said he knows that there are a lot of scouts following his content. “I’ve engaged with a few, and who knows, they might see a player in our region and recruit him. At the end of the day, it is for the betterment of the player and rugby within our region.”
He said his short-term goal is to reach 5 000 followers by the end of this year, and his long-term vision: “Well, I would like to one day be a president of a rugby club. Rugby is my passion, especially Club Rugby In Eastern Cape.
“I would like to thank all the supporters and followers for the amazing encouragement, word of advice and support that I have received since starting this initiative. Without your support I would not have been able to achieve the much needed exposure for our local rugby heroes.”
- Fahmy can be followed on Twitter, Facebook, Tiktok and Instagram.
