The local community of Macassar is rallying behind its newest sports venture, the Macassar Touch Rugby Club, which participates in its first Hot Summer of Touch beach series as a formally-constituted club.
Officially founded in 2025, it has swiftly become a unifying force, bringing players of different age groups from across the area together to represent their home.
Leading the charge is coach Shermon Manuel, a familiar face in the touch rugby world, having recently represented South Africa at the 2024 Touch World Cup in Nottingham, UK. He is assisted by Managers Shaun Manuel and Alson Danster.
Coach Shermon confirmed this season is a major step up. “This is our first Season in the Hot Summer of Touch,” he said. “We did play at the beginning of the year, our first time as [an ad-hoc] Macassar Touch, and we did very well.”
The club has set a high bar, aiming to field four teams: Open, Challenger, Junior and Ladies.
The team’s motivation goes beyond the try line. Shermon outlined a powerful vision for the season: “We are hoping to let youth who are less privileged explore the beaches and places where the tournament hosts. Our club’s aim and goal for this season for the beach series is to get good results in the Challenger series and hopefully pro for 2026. Also get more junior players and open and teach them the game skills.”
Starting a new club with predominantly underprivileged players has presented significant challenges, but the team’s resilience shines through.
Shermon explained: “We face many challenges like fundraising for playing gears. Also, sometimes we must focus on fundraising and training, so it is tough.”
Addressing the diverse backgrounds of his players is also central to the role. “Some of the players come from different circumstances so we must work with the players in such a way as to support them on the field and off the field.”
The core reason for the club’s current fundraising drive is financial accessibility, Shermon explained.
We are raising funds because, as I say, most of the players are unprivileged. To play the beach series we must pay a lot of fees, such as for transport as well as participation fees.
The funds raised are vital to cover these costs and ensure every dedicated player gets the chance to participate.
“To our community we are here to represent Macassar,” said Shermon, “and also to show our skills off, skills that exist where we come from, which is our motivation. A rugby ball keeps us from the street. Every rand helps us to keep our players focused, active and off the streets. We need your support to make this dream a reality!”
To support the team find Macassar Touch Rugby on Back a Buddy or contact Shermon at 074 079 2349.
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