A Cape Flats laaitie is appealing for help in making his dream come true of representing South Africa at an international touch rugby tournament.
Mueez Damon, 18, was recently selected for the under-20 men’s national touch rugby team which will compete against teams from across the world in Malaysia in August 2018.
This is the third time he has been selected for the touch Boks, but due to a lack of finances he missed the first two tournaments as his family cannot afford the high cost of the trip.
Mueez started playing rugby at the age of four and as a laaitie he played for Violets Rugby Club.
At age 12, he moved to the Primrose Rugby Club of which he is still a member today.
In 2014, the Grade 11 learner at Windsor High School tried out touch rugby and fell in love with the sport.
He trains for two hours, four times a week and in between he enjoys running and hiking to keep fit.
“My uncles and cousins all play rugby so it is in me. In touch rugby I play mid and my favourite player is Australian flyhalf, Quade Cooper. I like the way he moves,” the shy teen tells Daily Voice.
ON THE BALL: The 18-year-old plays for Primrose Rugby Club
In 2015, Mueez made the Western Province team and was selected to go to Australia, but due to financial constraints, he could not go.
Earlier this year, he was again selected to go to Australia, but needed R50 000 and he could not go.
In September, he received a sponsorship from the Western Province Touch Rugby Association to attend the trial rounds in Durban and was made a Touch Bok.
His mother, Moenazara, makes clothing for a living, and as the breadwinner provides for Mueez and his three younger siblings.
This year, the mom says she is determined to make sure Mueez’s dream comes true.
She says: “He lives, eats and sleeps rugby. He drives us crazy. But it is his passion. I am the only one working in the house because my husband cannot work because of his surgeries, so we cannot afford R50 000 for him to go.
“The trip to Malaysia is next year, but we need to raise R20 000 by the end of December to secure his spot.
“We are trying our best to help him achieve his dream and we want to support him.”
On Saturday, the family will host their first fundraiser for Mueez, an eat ‘n treat at Portia Primary School where you can book a table for 10 friends.
The hostess must decorate her table and guests must dress according to a theme.
There are prizes for the best table and a ticket costs R75. For more information call 076 888 0167.