Zim rugby talent impresses SA coach

01 May, 2016 - 00:05 0 Views
Zim rugby talent impresses SA coach The four coaches from the Investec International Rugby Academy in South Africa at Falcon College in Esigodini where they conducted mentoring sessions for Zimbabwean youngsters over a three day period. They are from left Joe Beukes, Braam van Straaten, Jacques Botes and Greg Miller.

The Sunday News

The four coaches from the Investec International Rugby Academy in South Africa at Falcon College in Esigodini where they conducted mentoring sessions for Zimbabwean youngsters over a three day period. They are from left Joe Beukes, Braam van Straaten, Jacques Botes and Greg Miller.

The four coaches from the Investec International Rugby Academy in South Africa at Falcon College in Esigodini where they conducted mentoring sessions for Zimbabwean youngsters over a three day period. They are from left Joe Beukes, Braam van Straaten, Jacques Botes and Greg Miller.

Mehluli Sibanda Senior Sports Reporter
SOUTH African rugby coach Greg Miller has spoken highly of talent in Zimbabwe which he felt needed to be well looked after if the youngsters were to achieve their full potential. Miller, the general manager of the Durban based Investec International Rugby Academy was in the country from Tuesday to Friday with others coaches from the school. The crew provided guidance to youngsters from local schools who participated in the Falcon College Under-14 Rugby Coaching Festival.

Miller, a former Eastern Province and Border backline player, was so impressed by the type of play exhibited by the Zimbabwean youngsters, but was quick to say it was unfortunate that the country keeps on losing most of its talent to South Africa.

Miller, who was in the country for the first time, described the people he met as friendly and hospitable adding that what stood out for him was the good behaviour displayed by the youngsters, an eye opener for him.

Miller was accompanied by ex-Sharks loose forward Jacques Botes, former Free State Cheetahs lock Joe Beukes and past 21-times capped Springboks flyhalf Braam van Straaten.

Arthur Mubaiwa, the managing partner of the tournament sponsors AMG Global, a chartered accountants firm, said they were proud to be associated with the event which he said was unique in that it combined coaching and playing of matches.

AGM Global are sponsors of a rugby event at Barwick in Mutorashanga as well as a sports festival at Peterhouse in Marondera.

Tournament organiser Orlando Fernandes, a Falcon College science teacher as well as Zimbabwe Under-14 national team assistant coach was pleased with how the event went and pointed out that he was already looking at making it even bigger next year by bringing in more schools and sourcing more sponsorship.

Eight teams, Hellenic, Western Suburbs, Heritage, Gateway, Falcon College, Midlands Christian College, Lomagundi and Christian Brothers College participated in the tournament.

Western Suburbs, under the guidance of Busani Ncube and Francis Nakamu were brought in as a last minute replacement after Petra indicated they could not participate.

Festival full results:

Day One: Hellenic 21 Western Suburbs 28, Heritage 50 Gateway 0, Falcon College 27 MCC 7, Lomagundi 28 CBC 0

Day Two: Falcon College 5 Lomagundi 7, MCC 12 Gateway 17, Heritage 14 Western Suburbs 0, Hellenic 0 CBC 28

Day Three: Western Suburbs 14 MCC 7, Gateway 14 CBC 12, Lomagundi 0 Heritage 12, Falcon College 22 Hellenic 0

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