sought-after Morabe Opts for Studies First
Keke Morabe is one of South African rugby’s promising rugby teenagers, the subject of much interest to rugby unions in South Africa.
A pupil at Welkom Gimnasium, he went to Craven Week in 2018 and 2019, playing eighthman for the Griffons, a big forward – 1,88 metres (6 ft 2 in the old language) and 103 kg (230 lbs). He played for SA Schools against England and Wales (twice).
This year Morabe is still at school. Had there been a Craven Week he would not have gone to it as he is now Under-19, too old for Craven Week. And to there have been agents knocking at his door.
But Morabe has decided that he is going to stay at school. He told Marnus Kok of Die Burger: “It was a difficult decision to take. I am keen to study, to have something to fall back on after rugby. Some of the unions have said that they will give me the chance to study.”
The sporting situation at the time of the Covid 19 pandemic suggests that Morabe has certainly been wise.
Professional players right =at the top of the tree are in effect out of work and taking salary cuts from unions who have no income. No play, no spectators, no TV, no income.
Paarl Boys’ High has advised its players to go to university – where sports bursaries are available – an play Varsity Cup rather than go to academies with the promise of future contracts and employment. Some have even gone overseas, not always with happy outcomes. University offers the chance to study and acquire employable skills and Varsity Cup offers serious exposure to scouting unions.
