Suzuki Sevens Development Team tackles interprovincial tournament
Suzuki Sevens Development Team tackles interprovincial tournament
Suzuki Auto South Africa is deepening its commitment to community upliftment and youth sport through its ongoing partnership with the Humanitarian Empowerment Foundation (HEF).
Together, the two organisations launched the Suzuki Sevens Development initiative in Gauteng’s West Rand earlier this year – a grassroots rugby programme designed to nurture emerging talent and create meaningful opportunities for young athletes.
“Empowering kids at school level is crucial to the future of South African rugby and remains one of the HEF’s focus points,”
says Clete Stevis, HEF Founder and Director.
Building on this foundation, the Japanese carmaker is proud to support the HEF-selected
Suzuki Sevens Development Team as they prepare to compete at the prestigious Interprovincial U13 Rugby Sevens Tournament, taking place on 19 to 20 September 2025 at Monnas Rugby Field in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.
Investing in the next generation
The HEF will select 14 U13 players from four schools involved in the Suzuki Sevens Development programme headed up by former Springbok Sevens captain, UJ Rugby coach and SuperSport pundit Jonathan Mokuena. These include Newclare Primary, Everest Primary, Dowling Primary and Claremont Primary.
The squad will be accompanied by four teachers and three coaches, giving them the structure and support needed to compete against some of the country’s most established provincial sides such as the Lions, Bulls and Pumas.
Suzuki’s support will cover the following:
- All participation costs including tournament fees, meals and drinks.
- Branded team kits for all players (socks, pants, shirts, and tracksuits), as well as branded golf shirts and tracksuits for teachers and coaches. This custom-designed apparel will not only make the Suzuki Sevens Development Team stand out on the field, but also instill in them a sense of unity, belonging, and pride.
Elevating communities through sport
This initiative forms part of Suzuki’s broader strategy to uplift young talent, strengthen community engagement and grow its presence within youth sports in South Africa.
“The Suzuki Sevens Development programme is about far more than winning matches,”
says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa.
“It’s about creating opportunities, building character and showing young people that their dreams are within reach if they put in the time and effort. We’re proud to stand behind these players as they take this important step in their sporting journeys.”
By competing on a national stage, these enthusiastic young athletes will get a taste of high-level competition while developing the discipline, confidence and teamwork that sport inspires – skills that will serve them well both on and off the field.
“Being invited to take part in the Interprovincial U13 Rugby Sevens Tournament is a big moment for us, and it will give our players invaluable exposure as they rise up through the ranks,”
says Stevis.
“Thank you to Suzuki for believing in and supporting what could very well be our next generation of Springboks. We at the HEF are truly grateful.”
