Join us at the Senatla 7s 2025
A Celebration of Talent, Mentorship, Resilience & Opportunity
Join legend Seabelo Senatla, Connect Academy and Connect NTK as they unleash the potential of our next generation on the rugby sevens field.
Dates: Friday 7 & Saturday 8 November 2025
Age Groups: U17 Boys & Girls, U15, U13, U11 Boys
Venue: Jan Burger Sports Complex, Cape Town
With the World Men’s Sevens Player title and record-breaking stats under his belt, Seabelo’s commitment goes beyond sport. After overcoming a serious injury, he partnered with his mentor and strength and conditioning coach, Connect founder Murray Ingram, and the Connect Performance family, to rebuild and give back through mentorship.
Now, as board member and mentor at Connect Academy, Seabelo is inspiring the next generation of players – on and off the field. And now, he is shining a light on young rugby talent in Cape Town to garner public support for the young stars of the future.
“This tournament is about giving young people hope – that their talent and determination can take them to incredible places if they work hard, surround themselves with caring mentors, and keep the faith.” – Seabelo Senatla.
Built on Connect’s Values and Community Spirit
We prove there are no limitations in life for children and young adults whatever their personal circumstances, provided they are immersed in a challenging, caring environment that understands their individual needs.
The cornerstone of our mission is taking a long-term approach, walking side-by-side with our young people, taking them as far in life as they choose to go, without any limitations based on the challenges of their community or home lives.
“Seabelo embodies resilience and unity. This tournament celebrates that spirit and the belief that sport brings people together and empowers communities.”
– Murray Ingram, Founder, Connect Academy
Festival of Unity 2026… coming soon!
Watch this space for the launch of our second Connect Festival of Unity, running in Cape Town from 13 – 18 July 2026.
Connect Festival of Unity 2025
In July 2025 Connect made history, in association with Edwin Doran Sports Tours, by hosting the largest ever school sports exchange in Cape Town’s history – with 2500 players from 42 school teams, 23 being from the Western Cape and 19 from the United Kingdom – uniting in over 130 rugby, hockey and netball matches across six action-packed days.
Connect Director Murray Ingram:
“We’re very proud of what the festival achieved and are already planning next year’s festival. The Connect Festival of Unity is more than a sporting event – it is a celebration of possibility.
“The festival brought young people together from vastly different backgrounds – and they connected, competed, and grew. The result? A vibrant showcase of talent, fierce competition, and real human connection – proof that sport can break down barriers and build bridges.
“At its core, the Festival of Unity is about one thing: opportunity. Opportunity for a young player from an under-resourced school or club to be seen. Opportunity for communities to come together in a spirit of hope and celebration. Opportunity for South Africa to imagine a future where talent isn’t defined by postcode.”
Jamie Anthony, Head Of Sales at Edwin Doran:
“This tour to Cape Town was absolutely thrilling for our rugby, hockey and netball teams from 19 sides across Britain. It was a true show of cross-cultural unity and everyone learned a great deal – about Cape Town, South Africa, its people, international sportsmanship, camaraderie, and ultimately, ubuntu. We can’t wait to return to Cape Town for the second Connect Festival of Unity, in association with Edwin Doran Sports Tours, in July 2026.”
Connect Festival of Unity 2025 – partners
Connect Festival of Unity 2025 – gallery
