Driven by Passion, Powered by Community

The Dolphins Are Building a Community – And They Need You

Words by Kai Coates  | Photos by Precision Photography

In a world where so much focus is placed on the scoreboard, it’s easy to forget the deeper value of sport – the way it shapes futures, strengthens communities, and unites people across backgrounds. But for the Ballito Dolphins Rugby Club, that’s the heart of everything they do. And now, they’re inviting the Ballito community and local businesses to be part of something bigger.

Founded in 2002 by passionate local rugby players, the Dolphins were built on pride, perseverance, and a desire to bring competitive senior rugby to the North Coast. Their dedication quickly paid off as they rose through the ranks, earning a spot in the KZN Rugby Union 1st Division by 2007 – a position they’ve held proudly ever since. This founding vision to be a top-level team rooted in community still drives the Dolphins today, but to reach their next level of impact, they need the village to rally behind them.

The Club’s Director, Craig Dawson, got involved in the club when his child wanted to play for the junior team. What started as support for his own quickly became a mission to uplift everyone’s children through sport. He envisions a future where the Dolphins have a permanent home field, a vibrant clubhouse, and become a true hub for development, sport, and connection. “We continue doing what we can – now we need the community to help us do more,” Craig says.

The club has already taken steps, like launching their ‘Adopt a Dolphin’ sponsorship initiative – designed specifically for local businesses to get involved, gain visibility, and show their support in a meaningful way with the senior team players.

Why It Matters to Our Youth 

At its core, the Dolphins are a development club. Mark Svenningsen, the Club Chairman, runs youth clinics and brings in players from township areas, often introducing them to the game for the first time. “We have had players who go on to represent provincial, national, and international teams, such as Mhlehli “Giraffe” Dlamini (The Bulls main squad and is now playing for Haifa in Israel) and Ali Thiam (The Bulls Academy and was invited to the U20 Junior Bok trials)” 

Muzi Luthuli, 2nd Team Coach, mentioned that development needs consistency – and consistency needs funding. Muzi is a Northwood boy alumnus and played for the Northwood Crusaders Rugby Club before moving to Maidstone and joining the Ballito Dolphins Rugby Club. He quickly became captain but one day, he got tackled down during a game which resulted in a broken hip. And now, his love and skill for the game carries on through his coaching.

The teams permanently train at Umhlali Preparatory School. A permanent home field will greatly improve the community connection and open doors, not just for on-site branding, advertising and event-based activations, but sustainability in the Club and its players, plus a bonus for a community club. They aim to inspire the youth and junior teams by creating an ‘Inspirational and Aspirational’ path, turning their 1st team players into local heroes akin to Siya Kolisi. Thus, local business support isn’t just a donation – it’s an investment in lives, loyalty, and local pride. 

What the Players Say

Players like Keegan Goosen, who was part of the junior team as a kid and is now a 1st Team player, says, “When you’re backed by your town, you feel like you’re playing for something bigger,” he adds. 

Halalisani Ngcobo, 2nd Team player, from a nearby rural community, agrees. “It’s like having 60 extra players when the fans are there,” he says. 

Carlo Gresse, 1st Team Captain, describes the Dolphins as a reflection of Ballito itself – diverse, full of energy, and family-focused. “We want people to see what this is about. Come down, bring your kids, and feel the vibe. This is for everyone.”

Player Tembelani Sibuta says, “It’s more than rugby. It’s one heart, one beat. Fans showing up to our games grows our community, but everything needs funding.”

Jared Stanford, 1st Team Head Coach, says, “Sport teaches resilience, discipline, teamwork. That’s what we’re giving young people.” He envisions a permanent home ground that hosts not just games, but a space for the community and future development.

How You Can Get Involved:

• Adopt a Dolphin
• Sponsor or donate
• Follow and promote the club on social media
• Come and watch a home game at Oaklands Equestrian Estate 

Scan the QR Code below to see how you can sponsor or Adopt a Dolphin:

www.ballitodolphinsrugby.co.za/adoptadolphin 

Be part of the story and support the future – because here, rugby isn’t just a game; it’s a movement.