When Siphesihle and Thubelihle Marule arrived at Uplands College in 2023 as KLM Scholars, neither had ever played rugby. Just three years later, the twin brothers have become standout scholar-athletes—and are making history on the field.
This summer, both represented the Pumas, their provincial team, at Craven Week, South Africa’s premier high school rugby tournament. Think of it as one of the country’s most prestigious U18 showcases, where top young players compete for the attention of elite programs.
Thubelihle was named Man of the Match during the tournament. Siphesihle went a step further, earning selection to the SA Schools A squad, placing him among South Africa’s top schoolboy players. He is only the second Uplands player ever selected for a South African Schools side.
Their journey is a powerful reminder of what education and opportunity can unlock. KLM provides talented students from rural, economically disadvantaged communities with access to a transformative education at Uplands. Siphe and Thube have embraced that opportunity with hard work, humility, and determination—excelling not only in rugby, but in the classroom and across school life.
