Knysna’s young ‘Beast’ in SWD team
Star player needs help to attend Craven Week trials
A group of no fewer than *seven boys from the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay area proved that the Garden Route is a rich source of sporting talent when they were included in the U12 SWD Primary School rugby squad that will be heading to Riversdale at the end of the month for an interprovincial rugby tournament.
One of them, the 12-year-old Brendon Booysen, is only the second pupil in the history of Concordia Primary School to ever be chosen for such a team, and the only player to receive SWD colours for rugby this year. Brendon made it through several tough rounds of trials to earn his spot in one of two SWD U12 rugby teams from which the SWD Craven Week team will be selected. But the young multipositional player does not only shine on the sports field as captain of his school rugby team according to his coach and teacher Marshall Willemse, he is an academic star as well – reaching the top 10 in Grade 6 and earning a bronze medal in the recent WOW spelling competition.
Versatile player
“Brendon was chosen for the team because of how hard he works on the field and how he motivates his team-mates. He can play as hooker and flank, but for the SWD team he was chosen as tight-head prop,” says Willemse.
Brendon is a passionate player and under his stewardship, Concordia Primary’s rugby team came third in a recent primary school rugby championship, Willemse says. The team remained unbeaten in the primary school league except for one game. “He is an excellent team spirit builder. Most of the boys in the team are already in Grade 7 but they listen to their younger captain – he has natural leadership skills. He even taught the boys a Xhosa song they sing before a game to get them psyched up – it means something like ‘We’re coming for you’,” Willemse adds, with Brendon chiming in, “Dit maak die manne lus vir die game (It makes them want to play).” Brendon says he loves rugby very much, especially when he has the ball in hand. He looks up to players like SA’s Warrick Gelant, Beast Mtawarira, Cheslin Kolbe and Steven Kitshoff, and would one day like to play for Western Province and the Springboks. Being in the middle of the scrum as hooker is his favourite position. He also looks up to local SA women’s 7s player Mathrin Simmers.
Help fulfil a dream
About earning himself a place in the SWD team, Brendon just gives the biggest smile ever and says he is very happy about it. “I want to score a few tries and hold my school’s name high at the upcoming tournament,” he adds.
Tears well up in his father Jonathan Taderera’s eyes when asked about his son’s achievements. “These are tears of pride. Brendon is one of my mainstays in life and he believes in himself. He also keeps me on my toes and I just want the best for him, I will do anything for him,” he says, adding that he hopes to see his son in a Springbok jersey one day and thanks coach Willemse for all that he does for Brendon.
Brendon will be in Riversdale from 27 to 29 September, and needs many things before he can go – among these toiletries, clothing, and registration fees. His coach and family say any contributions towards Brendon’s cause would be highly appreciated. Anyone willing to assist can contact coach Willemse on 073 094 8894.
* Keanon Jantjies of Kranshoek Primary, Liphe Matwata of Laerskool Plettenbergbaai, and Damian Enslin, Gino Fredericks, ZelSodion Jeggels and James Reardon from Knysna Primary School.