Al-Qalam 
By Nabeelah Shaikh
South Africa’s Muslim community has been rejoicing over the historic appointment of Salmaan Moerat as captain of the Springboks.
The 26-year-old from the Western Cape became the first Muslim to captain the national rugby team during its game against Portugal on Saturday. The Springboks emerged victorious with a 64-21 win.
The Muslim Judicial Council says there has been great delight and pride in Moerat’s historic achievement.
“The appointment of Salmaan Moerat as captain was a significant milestone for our community and the nation. It reflects the values of inclusivity, diversity, and unity that are the cornerstone of our beloved South Africa. Salmaan’s leadership on the field will inspire young Muslim athletes and all South Africans who dream of achieving greatness through dedication and perseverance,” said MJC President Sheikh Riad Fataar.
Fataar said from Moerat’s early days at the Western Province Rugby Academy to his remarkable performances in the Super Rugby, Currie Cup, United Rugby Championship, and Investec Champions Cup, he has consistently showcased his exceptional abilities and sportsmanship.
“His leadership qualities were evident as he captained the Junior Springboks and led his team to several victories on the international stage. He hailed from a family with a deep and rich rugby heritage and has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication to the sport. His father, Nazeem Moerat, was a revered figure in the rugby community, known for his formidable prowess on the field and his unwavering commitment to the development of the sport at the grassroots level,” said Fataar.
He said Moerat’s appointment was not only a testament to his hard work and talent but also a fitting tribute to his father’s enduring legacy.
“His appointment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing our diverse cultural heritage and working together towards a brighter future for all,” said Fataar.
Awqaf South Africa said Moerat’s captaincy was a milestone that coincides almost exactly with the 220th anniversary of the unbanning of Islam in South Africa.
“Arriving as political prisoners, exiles, and indentured labourers, Muslims have been an integral part of South Africa’s history for over 350 years. Despite facing great odds, our community played a courageous role in opposing colonial rule and apartheid. This legacy is a testament to our enduring spirit of resilience and commitment to justice in the face of adversity,” said Awqaf SA’s communications manager, Shanaaz Ebrahim.
She said Moerat’s appointment as captain was not just a personal triumph but a significant milestone for the Muslim community and South Africa as a whole.
“It symbolizes the overcoming of historical injustices and the fulfillment of dreams that many were denied due to the discriminatory policies of the apartheid regime. Salmaan stands as a proud representative of those great sporting legends from our community who were never given the opportunity to showcase their talents on such a grand stage. Salmaan’s journey is one of discipline, perseverance, and dedication. He embodies the unfulfilled aspirations of countless individuals who were denied the honour he now holds,” said Ebrahim.
She said as he steps into this prestigious role, he stands firm on the shoulders of those who fought for truth, justice, and human dignity.
“His achievement is a testament to the foundation laid by freedom fighters and peace-loving people who paved the way for a brighter future. His accomplishment is a source of immense pride for all of us, and we are confident that he will lead with the same courage and integrity that defines our community,” said Ebrahim.
Moerat was raised in Paarl, Western Cape, and attended Paarl Boys’ High School, a prestigious Rugby school that has produced multiple Springboks.
The Paarl Muslim Jamaa congratulated him on his remarkable achievement.
Moerat’s rugby history includes that he debuted for the Boks in 2022 and made two appearances in the same year. He was called up again in 2024 when the Boks played Wales in June and recently featured in the squad that played Ireland in both Pretoria and Durban.
Moerat has used social media to express the importance of his faith and what it means to him.
Last year, he performed his Umrah after he suffered a pectoral injury.
He posted on his Instagram: “When the injury happened, I was really torn between acceptance and mourning. I think, for the most part, I was trying to convince myself I was ok. But then, when booking and confirming our Umrah, I came to the realization that this injury was a dua [prayer] answered. It has always been a longing of mine to complete an Umrah during the Holy Month of Ramadan. And inshallah that will shortly become a reality – all because of this injury”.
