For the first time in years, I made my way to Laerskool Tzaneen Primary to enjoy a day of “kaalvoet rugby” (barefoot rugby). I specifically went to watch the under-9 and under-13 (1st XV) matches. Laerskool Tzaneen Primary hosted the first-round playoffs for the Super 12 competition, welcoming rugby and netball teams from Laerskool Pietersburg and Laerskool Kollegepark (Vanderbijlpark). For clarity, the Super 12 Primary Schools competition allows the top primary schools in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and the Vaal region – the Noordvaal – (once known as the old Transvaal) to compete in various sports—rugby, netball, hockey, swimming, cricket, and more—and in cultural activities such as choirs, orators, “bybelvasvra” (Bible quizzes), and others.
It was a well-organized day on the picturesque and immaculately maintained grounds of “Larries.” And here, we meet the first group of unsung heroes: the ground staff, cleaning staff, and management team responsible for infrastructure. Well done and thank you; your efforts do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.
The cafeteria and food stalls, the school hall for the formal welcome function, and the dedicated areas for umpires and referees, entrance control, and scoreboards were all on point as usual. Our second group of unsung heroes: the parents, teachers, Grade 7 learners, school leaders (or “prefekte,” as I would call them in my day), administrative staff (the “kantoor tannies”), and the announcers and scorers. The sum of these parts is always greater than the whole synergy in action. Thank you; it truly takes a village.
Of course, we cannot forget our third group of unsung heroes: the umpires and referees. Sometimes a breed on the brink of extinction, I, too, carried a whistle between the four white lines many moons ago. It’s one of the most rewarding yet often the most thankless jobs. Your efforts are appreciated!
This brings me to the final group of unsung heroes—the reason I am writing this piece in the first place. It was actually triggered by a Facebook post from one of my favourite bloggers, Theodore Garrun. Our fourth group of unsung heroes: the coaches!
Watching the under-9 match, I was blown away by the structure of the game. The boys focused on the basics; the forwards worked together “under one blanket,” providing the backline with quality front-foot ball, enabling them to move the ball through the hands. No forward ever ventured into the backline, and the ball was never kicked aimlessly. The fundamental skills are clearly instilled at this level.
The under-13 (1st XV) match was equally refreshing, running rugby at its best! There was more interplay between the forwards and backs, but each well-coached player knew exactly what to do when called upon at any given moment.
These coaches are all teachers, giving their all inside the classroom (for their “half-day job”) and then dedicating full afternoons, weekends and school holidays to the sports fields. Keep in mind that many coaches manage multiple teams, all without receiving exorbitant remuneration packages. Thank you, coaches! The value you bring to shaping future great players and, more importantly, well-rounded adults, is grossly underappreciated.
In closing, I would advise our esteemed members of parliament to perhaps take a break from their “very busy schedules” and attend a sports day at a primary school in their area. There’s no need to travel far with your blue-light brigade. Experience what I did—a community of different cultures, races, religions, and backgrounds, all enjoying healthy competition and sportsmanship without wanting to “kill or deport one another.”
As a Christian I again realised that our calling here on earth is to love, respect and support one another and to contribute to the expansion of God’s kingdom not only by what we say, but also by what we do!
KAALVOET RUGBY