Legends & College Raise Valuable Funds

At a fund-raising event at his Alma Mater, Maritzburg College, former Sharks wing Cedric Mkhize paid tribute to the support he had received from people all over the world following last year's accident that left him in a wheel-chair.

Organised by the eLan South African Rugby Legends in conjunction with Maritzburg College, the benefit dinner was a huge success in terms of raising funds towards Cedric's needs, which include a specially adapted vehicle.

SARLA CEO John Allan, the former Sharks, Springbok and Scottish hooker, started out by thanking the sponsors whose support in events such as this are critical - eLan Property Group, @Lantic, Budget Car Rental, McCarthy Toyota, British Airways, The Witness, the caterers, Wooden Spoon, Artel Media, auctioneer Angus Williamson, the barmen, ladies and volunteers and Sportsfan Eventing, SARLA's inhouse events company who put it all together.

"Cedric is an inspiration to us all," said Allan. "At the height of his career he was laid low and can no longer participate in rugby. But does he complain or whinge? No. He told me that 'I'm still smiling, I'm still alive, the world hasn't stopped.' We have a lot to learn from Cedric. The message is that we must be like him, be positive."

Ron Jury, Maritzburg College Headmaster welcomed the assembled guests to the school and thanked everyone for their support for Cedric. "The Maritzburg College community is proud of him, of the way he played and how he has coped with the setback. Cedric has been thrust into extreme stress, both physical and mental, and the fact that he has come out smiling and positive is great credit to him. Congratulations on your tenacity and spirit Cedric."

After passing on a few humorous anecdotes like knowing it was time to retire when a referee overtook him on his way to scoring a try, current Sharks Coach Dick Muir paid tribute to the work of the Legends, "What they have been able to do - where they have come from and where they are going - they deserve a huge amount of credit!"

In turning to matters of the evening, he explained that, "In 2005 I was very fortunate to be coaching the Sharks Currie Cup side when this lightning bolt flashed across the field in front of me. When I asked who it was, I was told it was Cedric Mkhize. He started that week…

"What I saw was unbelievable talent, he was quick, could move off both feet and had the uncanny ability to know when to go and when to stay

"He worked incredibly hard in 2006, played in the Super 14 and was one of the shining lights in the side who epitomized being a team player. He has suffered unfortunate circumstances, but he has been at every game, giving his full support to the Sharks and has earned the respect of his team-mates.

"We feel for you; you are very much a part of the Sharks family and I would ask everyone to be generous in the auctions."

What followed was a highly-emotional and moving speech from Cedric, one that brought more than a few tears to the hundreds of guests.

"Hi, my name is Cedric Mkhize, I used to be a former Sharks rugby player, and I'm now a paraplegic but still a regular nice guy.

What can I say? My first memory of Maritzburg College, when I arrived here in Standard Six, was that of uncertainty, I didn't know what to expect! But fortunately I had some mates who were a few years ahead of me and they took me under their wing and helped me to settle in. It would seem that friends' helping me has become a trend in my life.

The moment of truth in my rugby career came about when I was chosen to play against the Blues as my first game for the Sharks. Everything that I had been working towards became real. The night before the big game, the guys could tell that I was nervous and told me not to worry. When I walked out onto the pitch, I kept on telling myself to forget about the side show and concentrate on the job at hand. I like to think I had a fairly decent game that day. I was selected again, so I must have.

"I am proud to say that I played with and against some of the best players in the world of rugby.

"Last year traveling back from practice in Bloemfontein, life for me as I knew it changed dramatically. I lost two friends and team mates that evening. Not a day goes by that I don't think of them and that fateful night.

"I was lucky enough to have come across my mentor in life at a very early age, my primary school coach, Heni Lombard from George Cato Primary, had a powerful impact on how I handled circumstances that arose in both sport and life. He taught me not to give up hope today because tomorrow is going to be better.

"Life seems to be throwing us a number of curveballs nowadays and we often grapple with the lessons in it, sometimes not understanding why this has happened to me? I do believe that everything happens for a reason and life is all about what we make of it.

"When asked who my hero is, I respond with pride that I'm my own hero! I have been dealt a hand of cards that not many people would know what to do and I came out on top. I'm still smiling at the end of the day'

"There are a number of people that have been my support structure in my transitional stage of life and for this I would like to thank them all. My parents have been my pillar of support. My girlfriend, Leanne, who puts up with me daily and always makes me see the positive in everything. To my close friends who are always there for me. To the wonderful Sharks team who have backed me from the first day that I became a part of this large family.

"To the South African Rugby Legends Association, for helping me by hosting this evening and for always giving me advice from the wealth of experience that you have. To the most fantastic school that a young school boy could ever dream of attending, thank you for being a part of my life even though I have long since left. Thank you one and all.

"The support that I have received from everyday people has been astounding; people from around the world have all restored my faith in humanity."

A number of items were autioned including a Super 12 ball from the 1990s, a Super 14 ball and jersey signed by the current Sharks squad, a matchday experience for a child to spend the day with the Sharks when they take on the Chiefs and finally a ball signed by all the captains of the Rugby World Cup winning teams.

SARLA president Gavin Verejes (pictured with Cedric) who won the bidding war then donated it back to Cedric's mentor Heni Lombard who had presented the priceless ball for fund-raising in the first place.