Four Springboks players led a coaching clinic for children from 13 primary schools in Nelson Mandela Bay on Thursday. The event formed part of World Rugby’s Get Into Rugby programme ahead of the team’s match against the Barbarians.
The session took place on the B-field outside Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Springboks Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ben-Jason Dixon and Zachary Porthen each ran skills stations for passing, ball handling and tackling.
Tshituka said the clinics help cultivate a love of sport among children. “I wish we had more opportunities to work with kids,” he said.
Teacher Siyabonga Mcebi from Fumisukoma Primary School noted the value of the experience for learners from challenging backgrounds. Rugby coach Nolwazi Bungane added that the event gave pupils positive role models and a chance to play with children from other schools.