3 days ago
Hoedspruit teen selected for SA rugby tour to Spain
HOEDSPRUIT – A talented teenager from Hoedspruit is one step closer to achieving his dream of playing professional rugby after being selected by the Rugby Travel Academy (RTA) to represent South Africa on an international tour to Spain in December this year.
Kian Conrad Lötter, who will turn 16 in September, lives on the Air Force Base in Hoedspruit and attends Ben Vorster High School in Tzaneen.
His rugby journey began in pre-primary school, where he played informally with friends. In Gr 1, he joined the Drakensig Primary School rugby team and quickly proved himself to be a gifted and dedicated sportsman.
'Kian was a busy body from the start, he ran before he could walk,' says his mom, Cheree. 'We realised early on that he was a natural athlete. In primary school, he played every sport available, rugby, athletics, tennis, hockey and excelled in all of them.'
Now a Gr 10 learner, Kian plays multiple rugby positions, including wing, scrumhalf, fullback and centre. His standout performance for the Limpopo Blue Bulls during the recent winter holiday caught the attention of RTA scouts, who contacted him directly after a match. On July 11, the family received the official invitation for Kian to join the international travelling team.
'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' says Cheree. 'We were overwhelmed with pride. The RTA does not just offer international exposure; it also provides bursaries after school. It is a gateway to Kian's future.'
However, the family now faces the challenge of raising R50 000 to cover the travel and tour costs, appealing to the public for financial support.
Kian, who is committed to his sports and school, has already started raising the money by cutting grass for residents, assisting at weekend auctions, and looking for opportunities to wash cars in Tzaneen during his limited spare time. But with school rugby continuing every weekend until August, followed by 7s rugby and the athletics season in September, his availability is limited.
Despite the challenges, the Lötter family remains determined. 'He has sacrificed so much for sport, attending a school 120km from home just to pursue better opportunities,' says Cheree. 'It's not easy, but seeing him get recognised makes it all worthwhile.'
Kian himself is humbled by the opportunity. 'It's a dream come true. I've trained when others were playing around. I'm excited to meet and learn from players from other countries and to show what I can do on a bigger stage. I am extremely grateful.'
The family has created a BackaBuddy account to raise money and welcomes any form of support. For those who wish to contribute or offer assistance, Cheree can be contacted at 084 697 8164.
'Every little bit helps,' she says. 'We're grabbing every opportunity we can, because we believe in Kian and what he's capable of.'
