02 June 2022
Francois Wessels has recently been selected for the Western Province u/13 Craven week rugby squad and is set to play in the 2022 Craven week in Krugersdorp.
This followed after Francois played in six trial matches, each match more intense than its predecessor. Francois’s dad, blind veteran Don Wessels, says that, immediately after his computer’s JAWS voice read out the WhatsApp text announcing the splendid news of Francois’s selection, he shouted out loud ‘Thank you Lord’!
Given that there were more than 2500 players to choose from, as well as unknowns and challenges such as injuries, Don says some of the Bible texts he held fast to during the month of trials were: 'He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.' (Ps 18:33), ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness’ (2 Cor 12:9), and ‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies’ (Ps23:5B).
Francois (12), playing loosehead prop, weighs a hefty 71kg and stands 1.8m in his socks. He is a grade 7 learner at Beaumont primary in Somerset West, where he earlier in 2022, received gold medals for javelin and discus, as well as bronze for shotput. Francois also received the Beaumont Academic Achievement Award in 2021.
The Wessels family was further blessed in that elder brother, Mateo, received Winelands u/15 tennis colours earlier in 2022. Not to be outdone, youngest brother, Gido, received 100% in two of his 2021 end of year school exams, as well as receiving a medal for baseball. After years of late-night- and early morning study, mum Maatje received a Master’s degree in Health Innovation Cum Laude from UCT at the end of 2021, equalling hubby’s Master’s degree in International Politics which he received years ago.
The Wessels family thanks St Dunstans for their valued monetary- and other support over the years, without which these achievements would have been hard come by. Above all, they praise and thank God Almighty.