He joined the programme in 2016 in grade 5 and, as a shy learner, struggled to integrate with teammates. That’s until CoolPlay Champion Damion Barend spotted his potential.  Already one of the school’s top five academic learners, Cheswin started demonstrating his leadership abilities and was elected as prefect in grade 6 and 7.

Once nominated to attend the Western Province Rugby trials, he was able to show off his leadership and sporting abilities with confidence — even making it to the second last round.  Despite that success, Cheswin continued with his quest to become one of his school’s most outstanding learners, on and off the field.

He attributes his success to the values and beliefs he learned at the Coolplay programme, “Coolplay has taught me values that I can carry with me throughout my life’s journey.“  Under the guidance of Champion Damion over the past three years, he paid tribute to his coach as a friend in need, a brother and a father figure to the team — teaching everyone self-respect, self-discipline, respect for others and the ability to own up to their mistakes.