Category: Compassion
Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Athi Mayinhe, 26, is a professional rugby player and a dedicated coach who shares his love for the game by mentoring young female athletes from disadvantaged areas. When he's not playing at pro level for the Eastern Province Kings, he coaches rugby to school-aged girls from various communities in Gqeberha. Athi believes in nurturing young talent and using rugby as a platform for character development.
To help ensure that the children get enough exposure to the game, Athi often uses his own money to pay for their transportation so that they can participate in matches or watch the EP Kings play at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. He has previously arranged training sessions for the girls with players from the Springbok Women's Sevens.
Every December, Athi organises a collection drive for Christmas gifts for less fortunate children in Gqeberha. His kindness and commitment to uplifting the youth has led him to working with the Siya Kolisi and United Through Sport foundations.
