Junior Bok coaches host township coaching clinic

Nearly 100 schoolgirls and boys took part in a fun and interactive coaching clinic hosted by members of the Junior Springbok coaching staff at the Dan Qeqe Stadium in the Zwide township on the outskirts of Gqeberha on Thursday afternoon.

The Junior Bok management members who conducted the coaching clinic were assistant coaches Lumumba Currie and Melusi Mthetwa, as well as Cwengile Jadezwine (team analyst and laws advisor).

With the assistance of coaches from African Bombers, one of the established rugby clubs in Zwide, they divided the boys and girls in several groups before taking them through basic fundamentals of the game.

The boys and girls were taught passing drills, line-out skills and the basic scrum techniques. Speaking afterwards, Mthethwa said it was a humbling experience to visit the famous township rugby ground.

“The enthusiasm of the boys and girls were just unbelievable,” said Mthethwa.

“They are so passionate and eager to learn and just took in every bit of information we have to them. It was such a humbling experience and we thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Andile Nene, a grade nine learner who plays flanker for his local school, said the visit by the coaches was an inspiring and unforgettable experience.

“We waited with so much anticipation for the arrival of the coaches,” said Nene.

“They were so patient with us and showed us so many good things which will help to develop our skills. They spoke so nicely to us and told us to be disciplined and work hard and always try our best.

“I had a great time and we all just want to wish the Junior Boks all of the best on Sunday.”

The Junior Boks face New Zealand in their last match of the U20 Rugby Championship, which kicks off at 4.10pm at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Sunday. Argentina and Australia clash at 2pm.

Gates open at 12pm and tickets costs R20 at the stadium ticket office as well online at Webtickets.

Fixtures

Sunday

2pm: Argentina v Australia

4.10pm: Junior Boks v New Zealand

Junior Springbok squad

Props: Ranon Fouché (Vodacom Bulls), Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Simphiwe Ngobese (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Herman Lubbe (DHL Western Province), Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), HB Odendaal (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Locks: Neil Hansen (Fidelity ADT Lions), Morné Venter (Fidelity ADT Lions), Riley Norton (DHL Western Province), JJ Theron (Vodacom Bulls).

Loose forwards: Batho Hlekani (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Xola Nyali (DHL Western Province), Matt Romao (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (DHL Western Province), Thando Biyela (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Haashim Pead (Fidelity ADT Lions), Erich Visser (Toyota Cheetahs).

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kyle Smith (DHL Western Province).

Centres: Albie Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gino Cupido (DHL Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Dominic Malgas (DHL Western Province).

Outside backs: Scott Nel (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gilermo Mentoe (Fidelity ADT Lions), Siya Ndlozi (DHL Western Province), Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), JC Mars (DHL Western Province).