On Wednesday, July 3rd, representatives of the Old Greys’ Union gathered at the Old Grey Club to celebrate the achievements of two former Grey Scholars, Lathi Nqebe ’20 and Zuki Tom ’22, accompanied by mentor Nigel Bands ‘68.
Lathitha Nqebe
Lathi Nqebe’s journey into Grey Junior School was made possible with a bursary from Nigel Bands in 2014, recognizing his exceptional athletic talents and potential in rugby. Raised by a single mother in Motherwell, Lathi excelled early on, impressing in athletics with notable victories like winning the SA U13 Long Jump and placing in the U13 SA 100m. He was chosen to represent EP U12 and EP U13 as a full-back in the provincial rugby weeks played in 2014 and 2015.
Despite setbacks like a serious foot injury in Grade 8 and a fractured tibia in Grade 10, Lathi’s determination never wavered. He continued to excel, becoming a School Prefect in his final year. After matriculating with university entrance, Lathi pursued his passion for rugby at the Sharks Academy in Durban for one year before earning a rugby bursary to the University of the Free State.
At UOFS, Lathi is completing a BA in Integrated Organisational Communications and has also made significant contributions to the university’s rugby legacy as part of the Shimlas team. His achievements extended to representing the Free State Cheetahs in the U21 Provincial competition.
Bands says, reflecting on Lathi’s journey “My family’s association with Lathi has been an amazingly positive one. Lathi has met every opportunity that both Grey Junior and Grey High provided. He is such a wonderful young man – a true Old Grey!
I have no doubt that Lathi will continue to meet each of life’s challenges and opportunities with the drive to succeed he has shown thus far. Lathi’s journey through our two schools and beyond has been truly outstanding.”
Zukisani Tom
Zuki Tom, hailing from Tshapo Village near Berlin, embarked on his journey to Grey High School with a rugby bursary, transitioning from an Afrikaans medium school and later Dale Junior. He settled into Meriway Hostel quickly as he had a friend, Mihle Matinise, from Dale College who now joined him. He immediately impressed on the rugby field and as an athlete. Zuki was chosen to play 8th Man for the EP U15 rugby team along with Mihle as a fly-half. Zuki was very happy as a boarder at Grey High and still visits the hostel staff when in town! He impressed so much that he was selected for the SA U16 Green Squad by the SA High Schools selectors when still playing under 15.
Zuki left Grey in Grade 11 to complete his schooling at Glenwood High School and continued to excel, securing a spot in the SA U18 team as a loose forward and catching the eye of Racing 92 Rugby Club during international matches in Paarl.
His journey took him to Paris, where Zuki joined Racing 92’s Espoirs team, impressing under the mentorship of notable coaches like Stuart Lancaster, Fred Michalak and Joe Rocokoko amongst others. He can already converse in basic French and has shown remarkable fortitude in adapting to his different surroundings in Paris. His ability to adapt and thrive in new environments drives his dream of becoming a professional rugby player.
Despite not matriculating from Grey High School, Zuki was honoured with the Old Grey tie, symbolizing his integration into the esteemed Old Greys’ Union.
Nigel Bands highlighted Zuki’s story as a testament to the transformative impact of the Grey Foundation backed by the support of generous benefactors such as Sharon Paterson of Infiniti Insurance, and together with other generous Old Grey men through the Amathube Trust, for enabling young talents like Zuki to realize their potential against all odds.
The stories of Lathi Nqebe and Zuki Tom exemplify the spirit of resilience, determination, and opportunity fostered by The Grey Schools and its community. As ambassadors of their alma mater, they continue to inspire future generations of Old Greys, demonstrating that with dedication and support, dreams can indeed become reality.