Logan Boonzaaier's story does not only prove that dreams do come true and that hard work is rewarded, but also that the structures Stellenbosch University and Maties Sport have put in place to assist prospective and current student-athletes work.

Boonzaaier recently made his debut for Maties in the Varsity Cup series. However, his first match in the maroon jersey is preceded by an interesting tale characterised by big dreams and determination.

"I really wanted to study at Stellenbosch University but my marks weren't good enough," says Boonzaaier, who matriculated from Franschhoek High School in 2014.

"So in 2015 I applied for the SciMathUS programme with the aim of improving my marks and becoming a Matie. SciMathUS not only helped me to improve my marks and gain admission to SU, it also taught me to prioritise better. To study and get my degree is the most important thing to me. I want to achieve something in my life. I want to have a good job one day."

The SciMathUS programme – a bridging programme situated in the Faculty of Education – offers learners, who have already passed Grade 12 (with an average of at least 60%) but who do not qualify for higher education, a second opportunity to improve their NSC results in specific subjects to enable them to re-apply for university programmes. The programme offers students a choice between a Science and Accounting stream. Students therefore take either Mathematics and Physical Sciences and rewrite the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination in both subjects or Mathematics and Introduction to Financial Accounting and Introduction in Economics. These students then rewrite the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination only in Mathematics. The other two subjects are offered and assessed by SU.

After completing the SciMathUS programme successfully, Boonzaaier was accepted to study BCom Financial Accounting at SU in 2016.

He has always been a keen rugby player and he represented the PSO Barbarians in the first-year's tournament last year.

He would never have guessed that he had actually taken the first step to becoming a member of the Maties rugby team.

"Everything happened quite unexpectedly. The coach of the Maties Young Guns (u/20 team) Christoff Lotter saw me play. He called me and told me to come train with the Young Guns. I could not believe it! For me, part of being a Matie is playing rugby for Maties."

After a season of playing scrumhalf for the Young Guns, Boonzaaier received another call – this time from Hawies Fourie, Maties' coach.

"He asked me if I would be interested in playing for the Varsity Cup team. Would I be interested?! Again, I could not believe it. Another dream come true. I give all the glory to God for the wonderful way things are happening in my life."

Boonzaaier made his Varsity Cup debut for Maties when he ran out as replacement scrumhalf against NMMU-Madibaz. He is very excited about the doors that are opening for him.

Read this article for more success stories.