BHS head of sport relives boyhood rugby memories

Benoni High School’s (BHS) head of sports and culture Edoardo Conradie said stepping onto the rugby field brought back bucket-loads of memories from his playing days.

Sporting a big grin, Conradie stood on the pavilion and scanned the BHS rugby field as he relived his boyhood rugby memories, shared the school’s sporting success, and the plans for the rest of the year.

“I was five when I had my first rugby experience. My dad was watching a match on TV. One team wore red, the other green. I was rooting for the team in green. As I watched the game, I told my dad that rugby is what I wanted to do,” he said.

He started playing at Laerskool Kruinsig in Glen Marais, where he showed signs of potential, making it to the Kempton Rugby side, but fell out of the team before the Craven Week trials.

“Hoërskool Kempton Park offered me a full sports scholarship until I matriculated in 2009. I participated in athletics and rugby. I then went to the University of Pretoria, where I continued playing club rugby. I also played for Tuks’ second team,” said Conradie.

Sharing his experience at Tuks, he said, “It was tough. When one is in high school, you think you’re unbeatable and can bump everybody. But as soon as you experience the other players from different provinces, it’s a shock because of how talented they are. It was a great experience.”

He said his experience as a player was crucial in preparing him for his role at BHS, where he looks after the school’s extracurricular activities.

“We look after our 30 different sports and cultural codes. We build, develop and ensure our learners do well. We ensure they have what they need to succeed,” Conradie said.

“We also empower our coaches by sending them to courses to get the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in their job to make our athletes better.”

On the school’s sports culture, he said the foundation is strong, adding that there is an infectious atmosphere inside the school.

“It’s amazing. We promote the culture every time. On Fridays, we have a gees session where all the sports people come together at the Vatican to chant, sing and arouse each other before our games on Saturdays. Now, all the learners want to participate.”

Sharing their successes, he lauded the athletics, swimming and cricket teams for representing the school with pride, adding that he hopes the rugby and netball sides continue the winning momentum.

“Our derby days were a huge success. We believe it will get better. We had successful swimming, athletics and cricket seasons. The rugby and netball will also be successful because of the school’s and community’s support,” said Conradie.

Also Read: Local badminton coach leads SA to first U15 continental title since 2012

Also Read: Young makes coach of the year