Hoping to strengthen its ranks as it prepares for the upcoming season, Edenvale Panthers Rugby Club called on the community to join the club.
The call to action comes after the Panthers recently appointed Nick Mackenzie as its u-21 coach, Etienne Kinear as its head of youth and Julian Lewis as its youth coach.
Earlier this year, chairperson and coach of the Panthers Ernie Enslin told the NEWS the Panthers hope to create a long-lasting rugby community in Edenvale.
He said this is still the plan, but the club needs players to do so.
Mackenzie, who joined the Panthers earlier this year, has a good understanding of club rugby, having previously played in Springs before joining the Crusaders in Durban.
After returning to Gauteng, Mackenzie said he joined the Panthers to help the club build its brand. Although he wanted to get involved with the club sooner, the pandemic prevented him from doing so.
“I saw the potential of the youngsters and realised they just needed guidance,” said Mackenzie.
“There is a big difference between high school and club rugby.”
Describing Mackenzie’s coaching style Enslin said he had a good feel for the game.
“Mackenzie doesn’t need to push people to get them to listen to him, they listen to him automatically.”
Lewis, who also recently joined the Panthers, started playing rugby in 2006 and played until 2010 when he took a break.
In 2014, he joined the Wasps but took another break in 2017.
“I returned to club rugby because this is the sport that I love,” said Lewis.
Enslin said Lewis was one of the first to show an interest in coaching at the club.
Highlighting the benefits of club rugby, Mackenzie said it’s a different type of environment that often includes ex-rugby players as coaches.
“Members of a rugby club are often very passionate and knowledgeable about the sport,” said Mackenzie.
Enslin said children who play club rugby in addition to playing rugby at school will often be better than those who only play school rugby.
He said this often comes down to club rugby members getting more field time.
Enslin said besides club rugby benefitting children with experience, it allows them to build strong bonds and grow their circle of friends.
Mackenzie said besides teaching social skills, the sport also teaches discipline, ball skills, respect, patience and problem-solving skills, especially at the youth level.
“It prepares you for life and teaches you to respect authority.”
With the new year fast approaching, the club hopes to attract as many interested players as possible.
Players who are already 18 in 2022 and 19, 20 and 21 years old must phone Mackenzie on 082 627 2407 to join the u-21 team.
Players between the ages of six and those who will turn 18 in 2022 can contact Lewis on 060 895 0063.
Earlier this year, the panthers also welcomed the return of the Tendella Golden Oldies to the Edenvale Sports Grounds. To join, contact Jono on 084 951 1740.
Enslin said the club will start practice in the second week of January.
Looking to the future, the club is also looking for sponsorship for kits for the youth, balls and to improve the facilities of the club.
Enslin said those interested may contact him on 072 543 6060.
