A playing career spanning more than 15 years in total and coaching for the last 6 years brought me to the point of realization that in order to really make a difference, I needed to reach to grass roots level development and focus on giving back to the game the experience that I so freely gained!
After taking a lengthy break from responsibilities, travelling my wife’s beautiful country of birth Canada, I returned taking up employment within the sporting industry with Rugby Rank as Sales Coordinator overseeing the African continent. Rejuvenated I embarked upon reaching out to other areas of South Africa through programs such as BokSmart in my private time, facilitating coaching accreditation workshops across my beautiful country, South Africa!
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In many ways we are so fortunate all to have what we've got in the sense of financial support, facilities (indoors and outdoors), equipment and quality coaches etc. Wouldn't think in the number one rugby playing country in the world one would be faced with problems like these, but so be it!
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This I only mention as I am currently involved within the Eastern Province, in a sub union called the Karoo conference where KAIWHANA is based, whilst busy with our Africa Development Program.
I have volunteered my services, coaching a team called the Karoo Diamonds RFC.
This I only mention as I am currently involved within the Eastern Province, in a sub union called the Karoo conference where KAIWHANA is based, whilst busy with our Africa Development Program.
I have volunteered my services, coaching a team called the Karoo Diamonds RFC.
Out of the 60 players 80% are unemployed. The club has a barren pitch, (NO GRASS) they train and play on, their equipment consists of 4 cones, 3 balls, 2 shields and 1 tackle bag. In times like these it is when I count my blessings and realize there is much in life I need to be grateful for!!! Resolute to never take anything for granted again....
I take time in the morning to realize what I have to be grateful for and take some time to appreciate the beauty of nature that is all around. Take a look at the following video shot by two friends and artists of mine, Luigi Cosani and Dominic du Plessis. It is shot on location, highlighting the plight of poverty these people suffer in this area and South Africa at large!
Program Director: Thinus Pienaar