When a South African rugby player runs onto the field, he does so with a team
behind him. When he finds himself having to adapt to life with a “new normal”
after a serious injury, it is once again a team approach needed to lift him up.
recipients
The players that we support are from all over the country and sustained their injuries at all levels of the game.
ANZIL WILLIAMS
Injured in September 2023 (age 17) while playing for Humansdorp Secondary at a tournament in Knysna.
Anzil is from Humansdorp and goes to school at Humansdorp Secondary School. He sustained a C5/C6 injury to his spine and is currently doing rehabilitation at Aurora Rehabilitation Hospital in Gqeberha. He is motivated to get stronger and lives with his mom and sister. He would like to finish his schooling once he is fully rehabilitated. Have attached 2 pics, but think the one with Salmaan will be a nice one to use and can update them as we go along.
Furlo Theron
Injured: 2 July 2016 at the age of 30 while playing for Abbotsdale Rugby club at a match in St Helena Bay in the Western Cape. Furlo currently lives with his family in Abbotsdale and is an avid Sharks supporter.
Despite only having been at home for a week Furlo welcomed the MyPlayers Foundation into his home in September to give the players, Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit a small window into his life. Read about the visit here: http://fans.myplayers.co.za/myplayers-charity-inspires-injured-player/
Or watch the video and hear straight from Furlo himself here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-cIF6kkPiY
Furlo has become quite the entrepreneur and has started his own business producing products for people with disabilities and it is called Grace Adapted Clothes and Aids. To be viewed, click on his link https://clothesandaidfordisabled.com/
Jzaun Dreyer
Injured : 15 March 2006 at the age of 17 while playing for Hoerskool President in Krugersdorp.
He is married and works for Outsurance as a financial advisor.
Kalib Missoe
Injured : 29 April 2015 at the age of 16. Kalib was playing for HTS Belville when he sustained a head injury. Since writing Matric in 2019, he has embarked on improving his results in three subjects and then plans to study further.
He has remained in rugby – a game that he so loves, and qualified as a referee with the WP Rugby Union. He also plays a role as trainee coach with RugbyTots and has started his own NPO by giving back to his community.
Arthur Cullinan
Injured: 5 March 2013 aged 22 when playing “koshuis” rugby whilst in his 4th year of Veterinary Science at Onderstepoort.
He now lives with his family in Vryburg in the North West Province. Following his injury, he was forced to change academic direction and is currently studying BSc in Genetics and Physiology through Unisa. If that isn’t enough to keep this young man busy, he also tutors high school Mathematics and Physical Science. In his free time, he enjoys reading, music, exercising, and a good braai with friends.
Miguel Moco
Injured: 2 May 2015, aged 13, while playing for Northcliff High School.
He lives in with his Mum and brother in Johannesburg. He loves gaming and goes to physio, speech therapy and OT on a regular basis.
Heinrich “Ollie” Terblanche
Injured: 24 January 2015, aged 20, while playing for South West Districts. He currently lives George with his wife Chanel whom he married in 2017.
“I am Heinrich Terblanche, better known as Ollie. I’ve played provincial rugby in South Africa and New Zealand. My injury happened on the 24 January 2015 when a scrum collapsed and I broke my neck at level C5 and C6. My journey has been one hard road, but with the love and support of my family and friends and my faith I’m pulling it through.
I am pleased to say that I’m walking with crutches and working very hard to walk without it. I am also currently studying sport fitness science as I’m planning to get back into sport to help others achieve their dreams. I’m very thankful towards the Players’ Fund for everything they have done for me as it’s helping me in achieving my dreams. God bless – Ollie”
Ollie and Chanel’s story based on faith determination captured the hearts of many and saw their wedding exclusively covered by Huis Genoot in January 2017.
In 2019, Ollie and Chanel launched a coffee brand called Rise Coffee Co – Coffee with Purpose. For every bag sold of either the ‘Brave’ or ‘Hero’ a R2 donation is made to the Players’ Fund.
Visit Rise Coffee Co’s website to order your bag today.
Justin Ware
Injured: 27 May 2000, aged 17, while playing for Lowveld High School in Nelspruit. Justin currently lives on a quail farm in Nelspruit with his wife and is an avid fisherman when he gets the opportunity.
Yusuf Price
Injured: 19 September 2001, while playing for Primrose Rugby Club. Yusuf is fortunate enough not to be in a wheelchair and although he walks with a degree of difficulty he is a qualified biokineticist and works at SSISA (Sports Science Institute of South Africa)
Anton Engelbrecht
Injured: 18 August 1989, aged 22, while playing Tukkies Koshuis Rugby.
Anton is not only a recipient but also a trustee of the Fund. He works for Alexander Forbes Health Consulting in Cape Town and travels extensively throughout SA for his work.
Donations do not necessarily have to be money, you can donate your time or even just share our cause with a friend or colleague.
Read more about the volunteer trustees of the Players’ Fund who give their time and expertise to fulfill their duty of care for Rugby’s Caring Hands.
Players’ Fund Chairman, Jean de Villiers announced a significant new chapter for the Players’ Fund. “We’re thrilled to confirm that Anne Dobson will be joining us as our new CEO, officially starting on July 1, 2025.”
Anne brings with her a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in the non-profit sector. Her expertise is vast, covering critical areas like financial sustainability, fundraising, robust governance, and meaningful community development. She has a proven track record of helping organizations not just grow, but truly thrive, always keeping a sharp focus on impact and the people they serve.
For Anne, this role is “more than just a job; it’s deeply personal”. Raised in a rugby family and holding a degree in Human Movement Science (with Disability) and English, her connection to the Fund’s work runs far deeper than her impressive professional background. She describes this role as “a calling,” and her passion for the Players’ Fund mission is truly evident.
“We are incredibly confident that Annie is the ideal person to lead the Players’ Fund into its next exciting phase” says de Villiers.
Welcome Annie, we look forward to working with you in the near future!
You are cordially invited to a fundraising dinner and auction on May 7th. Hosted in collaboration with the DHL Stormers and Kelvin Grove, this event will raise essential funds for our 85 recipients. Be a part of something special.
Click here to purchase your tickets on Quicket: Buy tickets here
Dear Support Squad
We wish you the very best for the year ahead, from all of us at the Players’ Fund!
This year we continue our mission, to invest in the emotional, physical and psychological wellness of our 85 Recipients and maintain the outstanding care we provide.
We remain dedicated to support all phases of recovery for catastrophically injured rugby players across South Africa. When you become a Recipient of the Players’ Fund, we partner you and your family for life.
This year we encourage you to get involved by partnering us with your Corporate Social Initiatives, fundraising on our behalf through events or simply become a monthly donor. Every contribution, big or small, helps our cause.
We believe in the power of the rugby community which has stood tall alongside us for 44 years, providing hope and help.
In 2024 our support squad shone brightly and ever firm as together we paved a recovery path for our recipients.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and helping hand, without you, we simply could not deliver the impact that we do.
Mark, Aashia & Shoneé.
The Players’ Fund is officially a registered charity for the 2025 Absa Cape Epic, an 8 day/700km/ mountain bike race, which means that now you can ride with purpose! Tax rebate certificates (Section 18A certificates) are available for South Africans that will be donating.
Become a fundraising champion here https://www.givengain.com/event/2023-absa-cape-epic
Your rider for a second year and Players’ Fund CEO: Mark Kritzinger
The Absa Cape Epic takes pride in its formal charity engagement program, designed to create a lasting legacy by enriching the lives of people in the communities visited by the race each year. Beyond the economic and tourism benefits, the event and its partners strive to make a meaningful impact. Riders are encouraged to make their journey even more purposeful by fundraising for a cause close to their hearts. Exciting prizes await the team that raises the most funds. The Players’ Fund is honored to be an officially registered charity for the 2025 Absa Cape Epic!
To get involved or enquire on charity entry tickets, email mark@playersfund.org.za
https://www.epic-series.com/capeepic
Book your Wolfpack tickets here: https://www.designmynight.com/london/bars/fulham/wolfpack-fulham/an-evening-with-john-smit-hanyani-shimange-matt-pearce-friends?t=tickets
For Breakfast with the Boks bookings emai: Brian@bhevents.com
A group of strong woman will be swimming with purpose by taking on a challenge that has not been done before. They will be swimming from Millers point to Rooi Els in Cape Town, and back, which will total a 66km swim! Each swimmer will brace the waters, for an hour at a time, alternating between the group of 4 ladies.The total distance each swimmer will need to do will be roughly 17-20km. The swim will take around 24hours depending on the currents and conditions on the day. They will be putting their lives on the line in the water doing what they love, for former rugby players who did the same but were catastrophically injured and will never be able to play the game they love again.
OUR RECIPIENTS AND BENEFICIARIES OF THIS CAMPAIGN:
Mandla Nyaniso (36yr), DOI: 23/06/2024
Mandla Nyaniso (36yrs) is from East London who lives with his cousin. He sustained his injury while playing hooker for the Star Bombers. It all took place in the first 5 minutes of the game during a scrum when he was forced to pop up due to the pressure and sustained a C6/7 bifacet dislocation. He had a spinal fusion in July and in August started his 12 weeks of secondary rehabilitation which consists of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social worker and a psychologist.
Marius Van Staden (MJ) (17yr), DOI: 20/07/2024
MJ received a front on tackle on while playing for his school against Hoerskool Monument where his head was placed on the wrong side of the tackled player. He received a discectomy in July, where they removed C5 completely and inserted an anterior plate. He is undergoing physiotherapy twice a day and Occupational Therapy once a day. MJ remains positive through his turmoil of emotions and is determined to get stronger so that he is able to go back to school next year to complete his final year of Grade 12. His favorite players are Kwagga Smith and Handre’ Pollard and hopefully his dream will come true and meet them one day!
Both Mandla and MJ will be needing a few items such as a manual wheelchair, hospital bed, mattress, cushion, transfer board, commode and more so that they are able to be comfortable in their new norm and way of life when they are able to return home.
SUPPORT VIA GIVENGAIN : https://www.givengain.com/campaign/waves-4-wheelchairs
OTHER WAYS TO DONATE: https://playersfund.org.za/get-involved/
Thank you to all our regular donors, sponsors & partner organisations.
