Rugby initiative is spreading the love Programme empowers Khayelitsha boys with training and fixtures
RUGBY fever has spread to Khayelitsha, with boys as young as 11 participating in the Connect Rugby Training Programme. Connect Rugby was founded by Murray Ingram, a physical therapist and strength and conditioning coach who has been working with children for 15 years.
He said he started the programme 18 months ago after recognising that there was a need to bring “proper rugby training and structure” in the township.
“For transformation the idea is to give the kids access to authentic rugby training and get them into teams. We need to stop isolating these kids and gain them access to fixtures.”
Ingram coaches children aged between seven and 20. He started training them in touch rugby but has now added contact rugby to the list.
The boys are from two areas in Khayelitsha – Nkanini and Makhaza.
They practise every Tuesday and Thursday after school and often team up with Atlantic Academy, in Kloofnek, for fixtures.
“Kids want to play sport. The children from Khayelitsha train in sport but don’t play fixtures, have neither resources nor facilities to play rugby. There are no structured leagues.”
One of the rugby players in Ingram’s team has already been chosen for a full bursary at a southern suburbs school.
“The children enjoy the rugby training. You find that when you drop them off after training most of the children live in the same street. They recruit one other.”
Ilitha Ntinini, 11, said he played at flyhalf: “Rugby is fun and we have nice people coaching us.”
Under 13 forward Lukhanyo Vokozela, 13, said he heard about Connect Rugby training from a friend.
Lukhanyo said he wanted to play at professional level.
“Most people in my area encourage me to continue playing rugby.
“They say my body is built for it and that it could take me far in life.
“I also love playing the sport because it keeps me busy and I like that.”
Sinethemba Sophiseka 15, said rugby training stopped him from roaming the streets and getting involved with the “wrong types of people”.
“I feel good when I play rugby; it’s as if I’m in my own world. It’s what I enjoy doing and my parents support me.”
Sinethemba said people in Khayelitsha see rugby as a “manly” sport and young boys were motivated to take part.
Local coach Fundile Badi, 21, said many children were interested in rugby.
He said although rugby was viewed as a “white man’s sport” in the past, it had gained popularity among black people.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25
2015