The Players' Fund

21/08/2026

Shoneé visited Anzil at his home in Humansdorp, where it was immediately clear how loved and supported he is. Throughout the visit, friends continuously arrived to spend time with him, a reflection of the strong friendships he has built and the positive impact he has on those around him. Anzil’s life changed on 30 September 2023 while playing wing for Humansdorp Secondary School during his Grade 10 year, when he sustained a C5 complete spinal cord injury.

Despite his injury, Anzil remains focused on completing his schooling and is determined to obtain his Grade 12. His passion for rugby has never faded, and although he can no longer play, he continues to support both his school and club teams on weekends, proudly cheering on his friends from the sidelines.

Outside of school, Anzil enjoys playing PS5 games, watching sport, and giving back to the game he loves by coaching the school’s U14 team three times a week. He is committed to maintaining his health and strength by attending biokinetic sessions twice a month and following a home exercise programme three times a week using stretch cords and dumbbells.

Looking ahead, Anzil has clear aspirations for his future. Once he has completed his Grade 12, he hopes to pursue a career in the Human Resources and Administration Department of the Traffic Department. His resilience, commitment, and unwavering determination are a true testament to his character, and he continues to inspire those around him with the way he embraces every opportunity.

19/08/2026

17/08/2026

For 46 years, we’ve stood beside rugby players and their families through the hardest moments the game can deal, because when a player’s life changes in an instant, ours is the promise that doesn’t. No Player Gets Left Behind. 💙🏉

This year, that promise looked like 77 recipients supported, 42 home visits, and a team walking the full journey with every single one of them.

From welcoming our second youngest-ever recipient, 13-year-old Leandro Jantjies, to watching George Dwashu take his first steps toward his own business and Sikho Mani become a QASA Community Partner in his community. This has been a year of resilience, growth and connection.

None of it happens without the players, partners, donors and supporters who back us on and off the field. Thank you for being part of our team.

Swipe through for a look at our year, and click the link in our bio to read the full impact report.

12/08/2026

Shoneé met up with Dano Swart during the U18 Craven Week in Gqeberha, where his passion for rugby continues to shine as he remains actively involved in supporting the game whenever he can.

Dano was just 18 years old when he sustained a C4/C5 spinal cord injury while playing fullback for Hoërskool Brandwag on 5 July 2019. Despite the life-changing injury, he has refused to let it define his future. Instead, he has embraced every opportunity to make a difference.

He founded his own NPO, Beyond Barriers, which supports and empowers individuals living with disabilities, and is currently applying to study Senior Phase Education in 2027. Dano is also hoping to complete his Level 1 and Level 2 rugby coaching courses as he prepares to take on the exciting role of coaching Hoërskool Brandwag’s 1st rugby team next year. He is already making a meaningful impact as coach of the school’s U15 rugby team in Uitenhage.

Always setting himself new challenges, Dano hopes to complete his first marathon independently to discover what he is capable of, with the ultimate dream of one day participating in the New York Marathon.

There is no doubt that his journey is only just beginning, and we look forward to watching him continue to break barriers and inspire others along the way. 💙

06/08/2026

Shoneé recently visited Riaan Miles at his home in Gqeberha, where he lives with his wife and proudly embraces his role as a grandfather to two grandchildren.

Riaan’s life changed forever on 4 May 1992 when, at just 17 years old, he sustained a devastating injury while playing outside centre for Despatch High School, resulting in a through-knee amputation. Despite the challenges he faced, Riaan’s determination never wavered. He completed his schooling and went on to earn qualifications in Theology, IT Design, Digital Marketing and Business Coaching.

Today, Riaan is a successful businessman based in Gqeberha and continues to inspire those around him through his resilience and achievements. In October 2023, he proudly won a gold medal in the TT8 division at the National Para Table Tennis Championships in Cape
Town, a classification for athletes with mobility impairments, proving that perseverance and
dedication can overcome even the greatest obstacles.

He joined Topspin, a local table tennis club, after starting to practice in his garage since 2014. Riaan openly talks about his health struggle that forced him into exercising during that time. “I was very unhealthy, overweight, and my back started acting up. I could barely move.”

In addition to his gold medal, he and his club teammate, Claude Lawack, also won a silver medal in the doubles TT10 division. “This is a wonderful sport. I could reclaim my life through it.” He acknowledges that living with an amputation is not easy but says there is always hope. He volunteers as a table tennis coach and maintains an active lifestyle by exercising four days a week. He says that table tennis has completely changed his life, giving him purpose and a renewed sense of confidence. His next goal is to compete in the Masters Table Tennis division, and he is excited about the opportunity to challenge himself
again. 💙

05/08/2026

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the privilege of delivering Winter Warmer hampers to our recipients and their families, bringing comfort, warmth, and a reminder that they are never alone.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this initiative possible:
💙 Pick n Pay
💙 Sh’Zen
💙 Dove
💙 adidas
💙 Jonsson Workwear
💙 Pura

A special thank you to The Courier Guy for ensuring these hampers reached recipients across the country with care.

Your generosity has brought warmth, hope, and support to so many families. We are deeply grateful.