A long way to go for ambitious Parel Vallei as they lose 0-67 to Stellenberg

Beautiful Somerset West in the Western Cape is home to a high concentration of millionaires, as well as Parel Vallei, a co-ed school with ambitious rugby plans.

Thinus Pienaar – Parel Vallei Head of Rugby: “My vision is simple. To establish Parel Vallei as a rugby force within the next 5 years in the Western Cape.”

Amongst the most difficult challenges lying ahead is that the region is traditionally part of the catchment area for national rugby powerhouse school Paul Roos Gymnasium, making it extra difficult to persuade local youngsters and parents to pick Parel Vallei. Worthy of praise is that Parel Vallei hope to achieve their goals by investing in the development of the boys that join the school in Grade-8.

In a newsletter from November 2015 Pienaar goes on to state:

Our 5 year plan has already started, but next season(2015) in earnest, when I will focus the weight of my attention at Under 14 level, where it matters most. Here, through the implementation of sound, player-centred coaching structures, highlighting strength and conditioning, tight discipline and the effective transfer of our coaching philosophy, the foundation for change will be laid, repeating the cycle every year at this level. Across the board, I will constantly assess coaches, teams & player performance/goals.

The vision is that 5 years from now a new “breed” of rugby player will run onto the paddocks at

Parel Vallei. A player wearing the Parel Vallei badge with absolute pride, honour and integrity. A

player able in body, mind and skill, striving to play attractive, exciting, winning rugby. An athlete with a “Never Say Die” attitude. Yet, a gentleman always embodying the core values of the game, on

and off the field. This coaching philosophy and structure will be implemented throughout the school to establish uniformity and continuity on all levels, coaches to coaches, teams to teams and players to players.

I sincerely hope to see each and every one of you on the Parel Vallei Rugby – “Father and Son” – Team Building weekend! It is scheduled for the weekend of the 27th and 28th of March 2015. Here I will have the chance to meet you all in person.