Bok Sevens legend launches Cape Town youth event

Cape Town’s young rugby talent will take centre stage on 7 and 8 November 2025 when the Senatla 7s Tournament kicks off at Connect NTK Rugby Club in Parow.

Hosted in partnership between rugby star Seabelo Senatla and the Connect Academy, the event will see Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 boys, and Under-18 girls from community teams across Cape Town and the wider region compete for glory over two thrilling days.

The tournament is spearheaded by Senatla, a celebrated Sevens rugby star and record-setting try scorer. Crowned World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in 2016, Senatla is the all-time leading Blitzboks try scorer and “hot stepper”. His career includes standout provincial, national and international performances as a wing.

NEAR FATAL CRASH

Yet this tournament is about far more than sport. For Senatla, it’s a deeply personal mission.

After a near-fatal car accident two years ago left him with nerve damage, he made an extraordinary comeback thanks to intensive rehabilitation with his strength and conditioning coach, Murray Ingram, founder of Connect Performance.

That recovery journey inspired Senatla to dedicate himself to mentoring the next generation of rugby players through the Connect Academy, where he serves as a board member, mentor, and role model. The two men also worked together last year, when Ingram coached Ghana’s national rugby team and Senatla often acted as his deputy coach and technical advisor, ahead of the All Africa Games.

“I know what it feels like to come from humble beginnings, to almost lose everything, and then to find hope again through rugby, loyal friends and faith,” said Senatla.

“This tournament is about giving young people that same hope - showing them that no matter where they come from, their talent can take them to incredible places if they work hard, surround themselves with positive people, and keep the faith.”

Ingram, who co-founded Connect Academy to unlock opportunities for marginalised youth, believes Senatla embodies the academy’s vision of resilience and excellence. The Connect Academy is Cape Town's grassroots launchpad for high-performance sports talent.

TOOL FOR CHANGE

“Seabelo is not only a world-class athlete, but also a world-class mentor. His comeback story shows our young players that setbacks can be overcome with discipline and determination. The tournament is a celebration of that spirit and of the community that makes rugby such a powerful tool for change,” said Ingram.

The Senatla 7s Tournament will feature a diverse range of over 50 teams and organisations from around the Cape, including hosts Connect NTK. “With rugby action, community spirit, and opportunities to meet their heroes, the festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike,” added the host.

Spectators are encouraged to join the event in Parow on 7–8 November to support the city’s rising young rugby stars. Entry is R40 for adults and R20 for under 18s, and all are welcome.