ABBA’S 2021 NEW RELEASE BECOMES UXI RUGBY INSTITUTE’S SONG FOR THE WORLD!
This article is dedicated to all those Rugby Legends, who never gave up, who fell and rose again, who still inspires the Rugby Industry and their fans until this day, no matter their age! – Author
The recent ABBA revival and international announcement of their come-back had me both emotional and inspired at the same time. This late 70’s, 80’s popular Swedish band, with 9 nr 1 hit songs, and over 53 Singles produced, had many of us singing ‘before we could talk”, and even “dancing before we could walk”. Whenever their music plays it brings back memories of our past in one way or the other and turned so many into “Dancing Queens” and Kings till this day.
Listening to the lyrics of the newly released 2021 new hit song “I STILL HAVE FAITH IN YOU”, I reminded myself that so many people in the world today so desperately need a voice uttering these words to them!
Every day we live life, working hard often failing, falling and facing disappointment, some of us has become better at it than others, but in the end “Winners take it all”, and losers need to stand tall. I suppose it is just the “Name of the Game”!
“Knowing YOU, Knowing ME”, it truly is the best we can do, to just live a life with purpose and believe that we are destined for greatness irrespective of who we are and where we come from or our circumstances. Inside all of us we all have a voice pleading to someone please “Take a Chance on me”! I can be GREAT if you can only give me an opportunity!
Many people have been robbed of opportunities over the past almost two Covid ridden years. Young and old who has sung “I have a Dream” so often before, have given up because of circumstances beyond their control. Instead of chasing dreams many has reverted to “SOS” instead. “Money, Money, Money” has become the motivator or barrier to living a purpose-driven life or is it an entitlement of “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!?
Time is rushing past us all and our lives are “Slipping through our fingers” because we are unable to look past things that we see as threats instead of opportunities. We should be shouting “I DO I DO I DO I DO” believe, I can become anything, or overcome anything, if I put my mind to it! However, it takes a purpose, plan, hard work, commitment, grit and a growth mindset to get there!
It’s not always the most intelligent, talented and experienced people who get the chances or whose dreams come true in this world? It is those who simply take ownership of themselves, their circumstances and who in gratitude say, “Thank you for the Music”. The song of blessings count, and every opportunity received along the way, regardless of what things look like around them. These individuals become the “Super Troupers” in life, who will never stop hearing the “Ring Ring” of opportunities and prosperity.
So many others just give up too soon and stop dreaming when things don’t go the way they had planned or become impatient waiting and or working for a desired result. But the question is “Voulez-Vous?,” DO YOU WANT?” the BEST of what is for eternity, has longevity and is meaningful? Or do you want instant gratification that “When all is said and done”, leaves no legacy? When others ask, “Does your Mother know that you’re out?”, say I AM OUT HERE MAKING HER PROUD, and becoming the best version of who I can be!
The return of the now over 70 years of age super ABBA stars, are proof of a ripple effect of the legacy they left with their talent in the music industry, that inspired many other bands and their fans for generations after they ended their careers in 1982. Few people know the ABBA story was not perfect with many, many challenges, heartache and disappointment, before and during their rise to fame.
I believe that there are many lessons to be learnt from the ABBA Voyage. The most important that when at first you do not succeed get up and say “MAMMA MIA” here I go again! …And not “Why did it have to be me”!?
Before giving up on set-backs say to it; “Hasta Manana” – I SEE YOU TOMORROW, I will deal with this blow but “One of Us” has to go, and that ain’t me!
UXI SPORT: WE ARE INSPIRED BY GREATNESS!!
Juandre is a highly motivated and talented young rugby player from Middelburg, who has been dreaming of this momentous squad selection his entire life. Prior to his journey as the Institute, Juandre represented the Pumas u/16 Grant Khromo squad, as well as the Pumas u/18 squad. However, these impressive accolades still didn’t guarantee Juandre a professional Union contract. This, however, did not dampened Juandre’s rugby dreams. When asked about his ultimate rugby aspirations, Juandre stated that his goals are to “achieve a position in a provincial and Springbok team”. Juandre has done just that and has landed himself in the New Nations Pumas professional team – ticking off that first box of his rugby dreams in Mbombela.
Situated in the Mpumalanga province, the Pumas Rugby Institute allows rugby players to experience all that this picturesque land has to offer, all while engaging in a High Performance Rugby Programme. The Institute is housed in the heart of the beautiful and beloved South African stadium: Mbombela Stadium. Situated in the picturesque Lowveld region of Nelspruit, lying along the Crocodile River, Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations. Known as “Paradise Country”, few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the Lowveld and escarpment. From day trips in the country’s most renowned game reserve, the Kruger National Park, to rafting down the Sabie River, to boasting a rare collection of plant species in the botanical gardens- the spectacular Mpumalanga province offers our rugby athletes an unforgettable experience.
The self-funded Rugby Institute at the Pumas, the “Pumas Rugby Institute”, was where Juandre was exposed to the same level of high-performance training and development as a contracted or semi-contracted player. Juandre has been exposed to the same coaches, same facilities and the same high performance standards as the Senior Pumas players. The Institute further offers accommodation, which is conducive to an elite performance lifestyle, and allows for effective athletic focus. This exposure has instilled professional sporting skills, values and disciplines, that are pivotal for movement up into the professional Union systems.
A legend capped as Springbok in the history of South African Rugby ,over 80 times, and one who represented the proud WP jersey in iconic years, when crowds streamed to Newlands and camped outside the stadium for hours to see their heroes in action. Those were the days when dreams were real, and the sons from the people of the Cape, played bare foot in the dirt roads and fields of the Cape communities, They had one dream only, and that was to wear the blue and white striped jersey one day.
