Frances Baard Under-21s crowned champions – but their off-field struggle tells a harder truth

The Frances Baard Rugby Region Under-21 boys were all smiles in Calvinia, medals clinking around their necks after being crowned Griquas Regional Champions for a second year running. 

With commanding wins over Van Druten, Logan, and Namakwaland, they looked every bit the dominant force in Northern Cape youth rugby.

But beneath the celebrations lies a quiet, persistent struggle – one not visible in the final scoreline.

In their opening game, they outpaced Van Druten’s “Fears” side 38-24. Then came a clinical 28-10 upset of tournament hosts and pre-tournament favourites Logan. And when they dismantled Namakwaland 26-3 in the final, they cemented their legacy as back-to-back champions.

The story, however, doesn’t end with silverware. For these players – and their coaches – the biggest challenges often begin off the field.

One set of jerseys. Two teams. Zero sponsors.

Despite their growing reputation, the Frances Baard Under-21 boys, along with the region’s girls' team, are playing without any formal financial support. So scarce are resources that the same set of jerseys must be shared between the two teams.

After one team finishes playing, the kit is washed, dried, and handed over to the other.

“We can coach heart and strategy, but we can’t coach dignity,” said head coach Josef Molale. “Our kids deserve to have their own gear. It’s disheartening when the other teams from far smaller places arrive with new kits and bags, and we’re still sitting with a very used kit.”

It’s a situation that speaks to broader challenges facing grassroots sport in the province – where commitment and talent often far exceed the funding and support on offer.

The human engine behind the dream

The coaching trio of Molale, Vernon Guss, and Lawrence Lemmetjies have gone well beyond drawing up tactics. They’ve become de facto logistics managers and fund-raisers – handling travel plans, meals, equipment, and morale.

Their impact shows. The boys play a disciplined, connected brand of rugby. They’re clearly well-drilled – but more than that, they play like a team that knows what it’s fighting for.

“Imagine what we could do if we had the proper resources,” said assistant coach Lemmetjies. “We could build a programme that wins titles and changes lives.”

Supporters in the stands, leaders in the trenches

Frances Baard Rugby Region chairman Romeo Syfers and regional secretary Moira Januarie made the long journey to Calvinia to support the team in person – a sign, players said, of leadership that’s present not only in meetings, but at the touchline.

“We’ve proven that we have the talent,” said Syfers. “Now we need help to build the infrastructure around that talent. A set of jerseys, training equipment, proper nutrition – it’s the basics, but we’re lacking even those.”

Syfers made a direct appeal to local businesses and potential sponsors: “You’re not just investing in sport. You’re investing in the future of these young people. Their success should be something we all take pride in.”

The scoreboard says they’re winners – so should we

Two years of dominance in the Griquas Regional Championships suggest a programme on the rise. But without backing, it risks stalling. The players have done their part. So have the coaches. So have the leaders.

Now it’s time for the wider community to step forward.

If you are a business owner, corporate sponsor, or simply someone who believes in the power of sport to change lives, please consider supporting the Frances Baard Rugby Region. Contributions – large or small – can help fund transport, meals, kits, and training gear.

Anyone interested in assisting is encouraged to contact chairman Romeo Syfers at 076 236 5903 or romeosyfers@hotmail.com.

Final whistle

Congratulations to the Frances Baard Under-21 boys – 2025 Griquas Regional Champions. Again.

But the real win will come when every player can pull on a jersey that belongs to them – clean, fresh, and filled with pride – not one just handed down after someone else’s game.