By Nangamso Mabindla
9 June 2005

SCORES of youngsters filled the NU1 Stadium in Mdantsane to attend coaching clinics held by the Springboks and Border Rugby Union on Wednesday, 8 June.

The Boks are in East London to play their first international of the year against South American minnows Uruguay at the Absa Stadium on Saturday. The youngsters - all from schools in Mdantsane - could not hide their excitement about rubbing shoulders with stars like prop Os du Randt, centres Marius Joubert and De Wet Barry, and scrumhalf Fourie du Preez.

Besides the coaching clinics, about eight schools and rugby clubs received equipment from SA Rugby sponsors Gilbert Clothing. Handing over the items to the disadvantaged clubs, Bok team manager Athorp Pieterson said it was part of a nationwide initiative to develop rugby.

The teams received rugby gear, tackle bags and rugby balls.

"We are embarking on a project aimed at reaching out to the communities. This is part of a Gilbert-SA Rugby initiative to give something back to the communities we serve," he said.

This initiative was started in 1996 with 20 schools, and has now grown to more than 156 across the country. Gilbert will donate sports gear and money worth R1,5-million to disadvantage schools and clubs around the country.

Pieterson said the initiative aimed to develop future Springboks from this region. The Eastern Cape and Border have already produced players like Bok blindside flank Solly Tyibilika and Blue Bulls wing Akona Ndungane.

Springbok forwards training at the NU1 Stadium in Mdantsane

"The Bok players love these initiatives because they want to be involved with youngsters from disadvantaged communities. We'll be having these clinics everywhere the team plays this year," Pieterson said.

One of those who benefited from the clinic, Sibongiseni Bhavuma, said he had learned new skills from the Boks.

"I learned things like how to pass the ball; I hope I can use these skills. Meeting the Boks enhanced my goal of one day wearing the green and gold jersey."