16th July, 2008



Bongani Mhlongo is a 20 year old from Alexandra, who after finishing school has found it challenging to gain a place at a tertiary institution or long-term employment. Over the years, Bongani has managed to use his love of sport to keep himself out trouble in Alexandra, a township with a reputation for high levels of crime and violence, but also an incredible sense of spirit and community.

It was only earlier this year that Bongani was introduced to the game of footyWILD, "It�??s tough living in Alex, extremely tough, but it is a place that I love. It�??s great to see kids being active and enjoying the game of footyWild, it makes them focus on the positive things,�?� said the 20 year old.

A former rugby player, weighing only 49 kilograms, and 1.57 meters tall, with great ball handling and foot speed that would make Irish river dancers envious, he never got the chance to really prove his worth in the game of rugby, mainly because he is very small built for a game that�??s played by giants.

"I found it hard to compete in rugby because of my small stature, but in this new game of FootyWild everyone has a role to play, it does not matter how big or small you are, and as my coach always says if you can walk you can play".

Bongani has been selected to be part of the footyWILD Gauteng Provincial Team to take part in the inaugural FootyWild National Championships.

Asked what his expectations were from the tournament he said, " I have no expectations! I'm looking forward to competing against my peers from the other Provinces, I want to show them what I know and what I can do in this game once I get the ball into in my hands".

Bongani is a great example of how local people have embraced a foreign game with great passion and commitment.

The Association for the Reduction of Tobacco-related Harm (ARTH), AusAID (the Australian Government�??s Agency for International Development), Thuo Gaming and Costa Logistics support AFL SA and footyWILD across South Africa.

Giovanni Rizzo, Group General Manager, Grandslots said �??Grandslots�?? is extremely proud, and excited to be investing in the development of footyWILD in this country and at being a Major partner of the inaugural footyWILD National Championships. With major ties to Australia, through Tattersalls, it seems only fitting for us to assist in raising the profile of Aussie Rules across South Africa�?�

Event Details

When: Saturday 5th �?? Tuesday 8th July, 2008

Where: Senwes Park, Potchefstroom

About footyWILD and AFL South Africa

footyWILD is a breathtaking sport that combines the sublime kicking skills of soccer, the powerful tackling of rugby, the speed and agility of athletics and the aerial grace of basketball. Based on the Australian Rules Football (AFL) footyWILD attracts some 8,000 participants nationally with growth underpinned by a quality participation model extending from an introductory skills program for boys and girls through to Regional, Provincial and National leagues/competitions, International Cup Tours, national workshops and talent camps.