Connect Academy

07/06/2026

We proudly congratulate our three academy athletes on their selection to represent Western Province at the 2026 Academy Week. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and commitment they have consistently shown throughout their journey.

While they wear the blue and white with pride, they continue to represent the values of our academy both on and off the field. We are incredibly proud of each of you and look forward to seeing you embrace this opportunity.

Congratulations, boys. We are standing behind you every step of the way.❤️

20/04/2026

Two different journeys. One shared stage.❤️

On Saturday, Lukhanyo Vokozela and Riyaad Bam lined up on opposite sides in the SA U23 Cup. Stormers vs Bulls.
Both products of the Connect ecosystem, now making their mark in the professional space, a true reflection of what our Pathway to Professionalism is all about.
From shared beginnings to competing at the next level.

13/04/2026

Not every pathway is obvious. Not every story is linear.
Riyaad Bam didn’t come through the traditional system. He didn’t have every door open to him.
But what he did have… was something you can’t teach.
Raw talent. Untapped athleticism. And the willingness to work.
At Connect, we saw it clearly.
And more importantly, we built around it, refining, guiding, and creating an environment where that potential could become something real.
Riyaad’s journey is unconventional. But that’s the point.
Because what we’re building at Connect isn’t about following the system ,it’s about redefining it.
Finding talent where others aren’t looking.
Backing athletes who haven’t been given the platform.
And walking the road with them into the professional game.
We also acknowledge Primrose Rugby Club for the role they played in Riyaad’s early development , every step of the journey matters.
Riyaad Bam is proof that you don’t have to come through a traditional rugby school to make it.
This is what Connect is about.❤️

06/04/2026

From the start of our academy journey, Akha Mjawule has been there. No noise, no fuss, just consistent work, day in and day out. Showing up with humility, staying true to himself, and steadily growing into the player we always believed he could be.
He’s never needed to be the loudest. His intelligence, his composure, and his natural feel for the game have always done the talking. There’s a rugby genius in him ,the way he reads the game, sums up pictures in an instant, and makes the right decision more often than not. Those are the things you can’t coach. That’s instinct. That’s game intelligence at a different level.
Seeing him step onto a stage like a Varsity Cup semi-final and walk away with Man of the Match, that’s a moment. But it’s bigger than that. It’s a reflection of the journey, the habits, and the character he’s built over time.
We’re incredibly proud of you, Akha. Not just for what you’ve achieved, but for who you’ve become.
And this is only the beginning.
We’ve got you. We believe in you. Always. ❤️

11/03/2026

A special moment for our program as we celebrate one of our former athletes, Haashim Pead.

Haashim has been awarded Junior Springbok of the Year, a remarkable recognition of his talent and commitment to the game. He has also received an invitation to the Springbok Alignment Camp, a major step toward the highest level of rugby in South Africa.

Watching young athletes grow and go on to achieve incredible things is exactly why athlete development matters and why we do it.

We’re proud to have been part of your journey, Haashim. Keep going.❤️

16/01/2026

Taking it back to 2016⏮️⏮️⏮️.

10/01/2026

We are so proud of our trailblazer, Boepa!

Stormers coach John Dobson says ho**er Lukhanyo “Boepa” Vokozela has earned his first start for Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against Harlequins.

04/12/2025

A significant moment for everyone involved in Connect.

Lukhanyo Vokozela is a Connect Day 1 kid — we’ve walked this road with him since he was 13 years old.
From the dusty fields of Makhaza, Khayelitsha to making his debut in the Investec Champions Cup.

This isn’t just a rugby milestone.
It’s the story of a young man who has led the way for everyone coming after him — showing what’s possible when you outwork and outcompete everyone, and what can happen when a young person is given belief, structure, and consistent support.

Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it.

23/10/2025

02/10/2025

🏆 The first-ever Senatla 7s Tournament is here! 🏆

Cape Town, get ready for two days of fast-paced rugby, future stars, and unforgettable moments on the sevens field 🏉⚡

Led by Springboks Sevens legend Seabelo Senatla, in partnership with Connect Academy & NTK RFC this tournament is all about unleashing the next generation of champions.

📍 Jan Burger Sports Complex, Parow North
📅 7 & 8 November 2025
👉 U11, U13, U15, U17 Boys + U18 Girls

Think your team’s got what it takes? 🔥 Register your team now and be part of the very first