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During Youth Month, STADIO is proud to shine a light on the remarkable accomplishments of Junior Pokomela, a talented loose forward for the DHL Stormers.
Alongside his outstanding rugby career, Pokomela has demonstrated unwavering commitment to his education, overcoming financial strife to almost completing his Bachelor of Business Administration degree at a private higher education institution.
From an early age, Pokomela exhibited a natural aptitude for sports, with Sonwabo Goba, his father and a passionate sportsman, instilling a love for soccer and cricket in him. “In fact, cricket once held a stronger place in my heart than rugby,” jokes Pokomela.
His rise to prominence in rugby is even more remarkable when considering his humble beginnings and the challenges he faced growing up. Motivated by the loss of his mother at a young age, he attended Victoria Park School in Gqeberha on a bursary, with his sole focus being to complete his education, pass matric, and secure a bursary for further studies at university.
“I do what I do not just for me, but for my little brother who is currently in grade 7. I have always wanted to ensure that his life and that of my family is better than the one I had growing up; that they are looked after and have the best opportunities,” he says.
It was not until he received a scholarship to the prestigious Grey High School in Gqeberha, where his talent for rugby blossomed. Drawing inspiration from local heroes such as Thando Manana, Solly Tyibilika, and South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi, who also hail from his region, 26-year-old Pokomela overcame challenges common to many young black individuals in South Africa, yet he has been excelling ever since.
Chris Vorster, chief executive officer of STADIO, says they acknowledge the importance of a well-rounded education and career longevity for sports stars, and they are proud to sponsor sporting talents like Pokomela. “At STADIO, we firmly believe in supporting aspiring athletes, who may not have the means or access by providing them with the opportunity to pursue their education alongside their sports careers. This ensures their success extends beyond the field, enabling them to achieve long-term professional fulfilment.”
Despite the demanding schedule of a professional rugby player, Pokomela has managed to balance his studies and sporting commitments with the flexibility provided by STADIO. The institution has accommodated his rigorous training and travel requirements, even rescheduled exams and arranging invigilators during peak examination times.
Living outside the rugby bubble
“As rugby players, we tend to live in our own bubble, so it is nice to be able to experience something outside of our world of work. I joined STADIO in 2018, because it was the only education provider that allowed me to work outside the demands of my rugby career. It certainly hasn't been a smooth journey, especially with the travelling that I must do, but my four years of study has been so much fun and insightful,” he adds.
Pokomela’s dedication to both his academic and sporting pursuits exemplifies the core values of STADIO, which firmly believes in nurturing talent across various disciplines. The institution’s commitment to sport is evident through its recent announcement as the education provider to Western Province Rugby, solidifying its dedication to fostering excellence in sports and education simultaneously.
Topping Pokomela’s list of gratitude is Nigel Bands, his generous benefactor who not only sponsored his fees at Grey High School but also laid the foundations for his successful rugby career. STADIO’s sponsorship programme typically maintains anonymity between the beneficiaries and the donors, making Pokomela’s connection with his benefactor even more special.
With only two modules remaining to complete his degree, Pokomela looks forward to his future endeavors, which include gaining invaluable experience by shadowing a company. Armed with a well-rounded education and a flourishing rugby career, he now stands at the precipice of a promising future and is poised to make a lasting impact both on and off the field.
This post and content was sponsored, written and produced by STADIO.
