His father Wawa (Anele Matoti), once a promising rugby player, now struggles with alcoholism, further complicating Dumisani’s journey. As the young man navigates a treacherous path filled with dangerous choices and high-stakes heists, he faces a crucial question: will he manage to escape the criminal influences surrounding him and fulfil his ambitions on the rugby field?

Stepping into the role of Jacob, Queenstown's notorious gangster, is South African acting legend Bongile Mantsai. He embodies the character of a villain who exploits Dumisani’s circumstances, plunging him deeper into the world of crime, driven by the debts owed from his brother’s misdeeds.

Jacob started hustling at a young age after the death of his father. His mother left Jacob and his siblings and ran off with one of his father’s friends. Jacob started housebreaking in the nearby suburbs at age 14. He fended for his younger siblings and built them a dignified home with the proceeds he got from crime.

Jacob is a very paranoid young man, who does not trust anyone. He quickly acts out on his emotions and does not really process the meaning of his actions. He sees himself as a bigshot and takes on the world with an air of disdain because he truly believes it owes him something. He has a lovable demeanor but is not afraid to get his hands dirty for what he really wants.

"Jacob is driving this whole family crazy because he feels like the world owes him a lot. He doesn't care about rugby and wants to destroy this young man's future ... This story resonates deeply with me as a person from the township. It portrays how easy it is to get caught up in difficult situations while trying to reach for your dreams," said Mantsai.

Expressing his connection to the storyline, Mantsai elaborates on the challenges Dumisani faces: “He plays rugby for Queens College, a beautiful multi-racial school, but the harsh realities hit home when he returns ... His father is an alcoholic. He once wanted to be something in life but he couldn't. Dumisani's mother works in a supermarket. What interested me, as a boy from the township I related to the story very well. I know how it is to grow up in the township and I know so many intelligent boys from my township who went to school but when you see them now, you ask yourself what happen?

"Is it their decision or is it the problem that we face in our country of poverty. Dumisani then falls into the trap of wanting to save his family but also wants to play rugby ... I know so many young people caught in that predicament. It's a very educational storyline. I know so many people whose dreams have been buried because of their circumstances back at home in the township."

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Bongile Mantsai discusses the challenges of family loyalty in 'Family & Rugby'