15-year-old boy from Bonteheuwel has been capped as an u.15 WP
Iqhawe player.
In an interview with TygerBurger, Leelind Hartzenberg shared that
his rugby journey started in Grade 1 when he was still a learner at Central
Park Primary. He played touch rugby at the time.
In Grade 3 he left the school and to attend Bergsig Primary. A
year later, while in Grade 4, Leelind started playing contact rugby. “I love
everything about rugby. Since I started [playing rugby] my position in the
sport has been loosehead prop.”
The aspiring rugby legend was capped on Tuesday 25 September at a
ceremony in Newlands. He says growing up in an area plagued by gangsterism
never made him lose sight of his vision. “My parents were also very strict and
firm so I never walked around. I however have no fear because I know God is
with me everywhere I go. Before I go to bed, I just pray and ask God to protect
my family and I.”
His mother, Jo-Anne, says she is tremendously proud of her son’s
achievement. “I am proud that Leelind has decided to choose a different path
for his life. He is very passionate about rugby and we, as a family, support
his dreams.”
Leelind is the last born of five children. He is the only boy in
the family.
His mother told TygerBurger he started playing rugby for the JAG
Foundation. The foundation has been in existence for 10 years and runs
programmes in Mitchell’s Plain, Bonteheuwel, Langa, Manenberg, Lavender Hill,
Vrygrond, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Belhar, Firgrove, Macassar, Lwandle and Blue
Downs.
“The general manager, Barry Clarke, took Leelind under his wing
and has been assisting him with coaching since he was in Grade 4. Leelind was
also able to receive a personal trainer, whose name is Amy Barnes.
“Leelind has seen a lot of opportunities since he joined the JAG
Foundation and we are grateful for that.”
Jo-Anne says she fully supports her son’s dream and always makes
sure he makes it to his training sessions. “No matter what, I always make sure
he makes it to a practice or match. We will always make a way for him,” says
the proud mother.
“There is something out there for our children. We as parents must
just seek something better for them. Here’s nothing here in Bonteheuwel for
Leelind so we will continue to motivate him to aim higher. My son has so much
potential,” adds Jo-Anne.
On Monday 1 October, Leelind played in the sixth edition of the
Iqhawe Week for u.15 teams at the Bill Jardine Stadium in Johannesburg. WP was
up against the Blue Bulls.
TygerBurger is yet to receive comment from his family as to how
the team performed.
