In the heart of Masiphumelele, a township located just over 30 kilometres from Cape Town, sport and community are one. The Warwick Masi Pumas RFC have embarked on a breakthrough season powered by a strong vision and a vital partnership with the Spirit Foundation.
With support from Spirit Foundation, the club has made significant strides — from securing essential training equipment and complete kits to supporting existing strong administration and transport frameworks. “There’s a renewed sense of professionalism and pride,” says deputy chair, Rudi Van Voight. “We’re no longer thinking week-to-week. We’re planning long-term, building something that lasts.”
This renewed structure has translated into real results on the pitch. The Warwick Masi Pumas have climbed from the zone leagues into the Top 9 of the Western Province (WP) club rugby competition and are now in contention for WP Super C qualification, a goal that once seemed out of reach.
“This season has been a turning point,” says Van Voight. “Our players are walking taller and dreaming bigger.”
Notably, the partnership has also sparked growth beyond rugby. Young coaches from the community are being mentored into leadership roles. Players are being exposed to life skills, discipline, and a culture of responsibility. “It’s about more than rugby. It’s about who our players are becoming.”
Leadership is emerging organically. Several senior players are guiding juniors and contributing to off-field club operations, a sign that the club is successfully nurturing a new generation of mentors and role models from within.
The wider community has also rallied around the Warwick Masi Pumas, with more parents attending games, volunteering their time, and helping with logistics and fundraising.
“We’ve become a central point of pride in Masiphumelele,” says Van Voight. “We’re showing what’s possible when a community club is properly supported.”
With only a few fixtures remaining, the Pumas are pushing hard to finish strong. But whatever the final log position, the season has already been a triumph of transformation. Van Voight concludes:
“To Spirit Foundation, thank you for believing in us. You’ve helped us build more than a team; you’ve helped us build hope.”