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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.
However, that did not stop him from his routine training. “All sport came to a halt, but I continued training in case if something came up I would be ready. Franzel September, the former coach of the Boland Cavaliers, called me and invited me to attend the trials in Wellington. When I was granted that opportunity, there was a lot of emotion, excitement and nerves as it was always something I’ve prayed for,” says Arendse.
“I come from a community with a lot of social issues. Drugs and gangsterism are a daily norm. I saw kids fall into that trap and being abused and used by those leaders and opted not to be part of that. Unemployment plays a big role in the youth joining gangs or dealing in drugs.
Another issue in Athlone and surrounding areas is kids 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,” he says.
The Covid-19 pandemic was responsible for the rise in the unemployment rate, companies closed down and work was scarce.
“I 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. When we could go back to playing I put 100 percent into my efforts on the training field at Boland. My 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,” Arendse says.
He prefers rugby as a sport.
He says it is the only sport for him that challenges physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
“It’s a sport I grew up playing, the environment where I’ve met the most amazing people and rugby played a big part in my life for the person I am today.
“I support Boland Cavaliers because there is only one land and that is Boland. I’ve 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. Ranger inspired me through his actions on the field whether it was on attack or defence, it’s all business. Off the field, Ranger is down to earth, humble and always smiling,” he says.
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. The cherry on the cake will be when the Boland Cavaliers play in the Currie Cup Premier Division.
When he is not training or playing rugby he enjoys fishing, hiking and being out in nature.
