As part of a series profiling wheelchair rugby clubs in the South African Wheelchair Rugby League, we take a closer look at the Vikings Wheelchair Rugby Club
North of Pretoria, in Soshanguve, a wheelchair rugby club is creating opportunities, developing athletes and demonstrating the transformative power of sport.
Vikings Wheelchair Rugby Club was established in 2012 at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) by Coach Victor Buitendag. From the outset, the club benefited from the support of TUT, which provided training facilities, transport and sporting equipment.
This allowed the team to establish itself within South African wheelchair rugby. The name “Vikings” reflects those university roots and remains a proud reminder of where the club’s journey began.
The club quickly became affiliated with South Africa Wheelchair Rugby (SA WCR) and began competing in league tournaments and cup competitions. Today, Vikings competes within the Gauteng North Region, aligned to the Blue Bulls provincial structure.
Expanding Wheelchair Rugby
One of the defining characteristics of the club has been its willingness to adapt in pursuit of a greater purpose. Many newly injured quadriplegic patients were leaving rehabilitation without meaningful opportunities for ongoing physical activity or social connection.
With this in mind, the club relocated its training base to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (formerly MEDUNSA), close to George Mukhari Hospital.
The move was strategic. It created a direct pathway for newly injured wheelchair users to discover wheelchair rugby during one of the most challenging periods of their lives. The club recognised that sport could play an important role in improving physical health, emotional wellbeing, social integration and long-term quality of life. This commitment to outreach has remained central to Vikings’ identity.
Investing in youth
As the club evolved, another opportunity emerged. Vikings relocated once again, this time to Filadelfia School for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) in Soshanguve.
The school serves learners with physical disabilities and provided an ideal environment to introduce wheelchair rugby to younger athletes. The partnership has become one of the club’s greatest strengths.
It provides a pathway into the sport for the learners while securing the long-term sustainability of the club by developing future generations of players. Today, Filadelfia School proudly serves as the home of Vikings Wheelchair Rugby Club.
Built by dedicated volunteers
Many individuals have shaped Vikings over the years. Among the club’s founding players were Lesley Nkosi, who continues to serve as Chairperson and mentor to the team, together with pioneers including Meshack Sesana, Moses Mhlanga, Lesedi Mphahlele, Basetsana Ledwaba, Lovedean, Israel Mathumbu, Bongani Makama, Nicolene Ngobeni and the late Dean Sambo.
Coach Samuel Ramatladi joined the club in 2015 and recruited a new generation of athletes while securing improved training facilities and transport support. During his time with Vikings, he also established the partnership with Filadelfia School that continues to benefit the club today.
In 2021, Petronella Khanya returned to Vikings as Head Coach after several years away from the sport. With a degree in Sport Management from Tshwane University of Technology, she combines technical knowledge with a deep passion for athlete development and disability sport. Her return marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on rebuilding, expanding participation and strengthening the club’s future.
More than a game
For many Vikings athletes, wheelchair rugby represents far more than competition. Many players come from disadvantaged communities where opportunities for people with disabilities are limited. Some face unemployment. Others have struggled academically or found few opportunities after leaving school. Wheelchair rugby offers purpose, routine, friendship and ambition.
Coach Petronella believes that sport creates confidence, develops resilience and opens doors that might otherwise remain closed. Her vision extends beyond producing successful rugby players. She wants to help athletes build independent, fulfilling lives. That philosophy is evident throughout the club.
Building community
Vikings club has always recognised that successful teams are built away from competition as much as during it. Over the years, the club has organised excursions to Durban, movie outings and numerous social activities that strengthen relationships between teammates. Players support one another beyond rugby by attending weddings, family celebrations and important life events together.
The club has also been active in disability awareness campaigns throughout Gauteng, including community engagements and interviews on Motsweding FM.
Between 2019 and 2020, the Vikings collaborated with the Ball for All Foundation during an attempt to break a Guinness World Record for wheelchair dancing, demonstrating that disability sport can inspire communities in many different ways.
Competing with determination
Although Vikings operates with limited resources, the club continues to compete consistently within the SA WCR League. One of its notable achievements came in 2019, when the club earned a bronze medal at a national tournament in Bloemfontein.
While medals remain important, Vikings measures success in many ways. Every athlete recruited, every player who gains confidence, and every individual who discovers new purpose through the sport represents another victory for the club.
Developing athletes
Training takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, where athletes work to improve their physical conditioning, wheelchair skills, tactical understanding and teamwork. The commitment shown by the players is remarkable. Many travel considerable distances despite financial hardship and accessibility challenges simply because they believe in what the club represents.
Coach Petronella continues to encourage athletes to pursue excellence, even when resources are limited. She believes that commitment and perseverance will eventually create new opportunities for both individuals and the club as a whole.
Call for investment
Like many community disability sports organisations, Vikings faces significant financial challenges. The club requires additional rugby wheelchairs, maintenance and repairs to existing equipment, gloves, straps, rugby balls and training equipment.
Reliable transport remains one of the greatest barriers to participation, particularly for athletes travelling long distances. Funding is also needed to support tournament participation, accommodation, meals, registration fees, coaching development and athlete support programmes. Investment in Vikings is an investment in far more than sport. It is an investment in education, social inclusion, health, confidence, and opportunity.
Looking to the future
The Vikings Wheelchair Rugby Club continues to pursue a simple, powerful vision: to promote inclusion, develop talented athletes and empower people with disabilities through sport.
With strong leadership, a sustainable partnership with Filadelfia School and a growing pathway for young athletes, the club is well positioned to continue shaping the future of wheelchair rugby in northern Gauteng.
