THROW it back to 1979 and Natascha Kretzel is four years old, sitting in the scholars section at her first rugby game at Newlands in Cape Town, and her eyes dart wildly across the field as the giants of men battle for possession of the ball.
The excitement and tension in the stands is palpable.
A lifetime fan was born in one fleeting and beautiful moment, watching Calla Scholtz celebrate as he scored a try.
“It was then that I realised, it was the game that was able to bring everyone together, no matter the age, race, creed or colour,” said an enamoured Natascha.
Fast forward a few years and Natascha can be seen wearing her school’s rugby jersey with pride.
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She plays the sport for two years but is forced to give it up in Grade 9 and take what were deemed as more socially acceptable sports and subjects for women, such as home economics and netball.
After high school she took a five-year gap year, studying at a hotel school in Austria while simultaneously opening her own pub in London to generate funds to continue her studies.
Missing the rugby fever back home, she put out feelers at the possibility of starting a pub league.
The mixed teams was a hit among the locals.
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In 1996 Natascha returned to South Africa, moved into the corporate world and became an avid action cricket player.
It was in 2006 that she packed up her life and returned to the sunny shores of Durban.
She was introduced to the Sharks Ladies team and was a member for four years.
She also launched the Hillcrest Ladies side at the Hillcrest Athletic Club, but due to lack of female competition it was disbanded a year later.
Her two children, Nicholas and Kyle Adler, were bitten by the rugby bug and to show her support, Natascha ensured she was at each Hillcrest Villagers’ Youth Club Rugby game.
“Most moms will be on the sidelines shouting words of encouragement, I would be standing there shouting plays,” she laughed.
She started coaching the team’s U9 players and after just one year she was moved up an age group. Two years ago she trained the HVRC Colts and completed her Level 1 and 2 IRB Coaching courses.
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Natascha’s passion and commitment were clearly visible and her magnetic and bubbly personality drew parents and players to her.
She was soon nominated as a committee member and then nominated as the club chairman for the younger teams.
“Since then we have lead the U13 team to victory three years running. I have the most amazing staff and team. It has been such a wonderful journey and as the chairman I have been given the opportunity to help the players and their families feel as if they are part of a club, part of a family,” she said.
Her dream is to complete her level 3 referee course and hopefully one day become the first female director on SARU’s board.
“There is already one female executive council member and I don’t think it is sufficient representation for a country who is trying to develop club and female rugby”
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“A lot of children lose their way but it is through rugby we have a chance to develop them and create a world of possibility, hope and a sense of belonging. None of us at our Hillcrest Villagers Rugby Club do this for a single cent. It is all about the love for the game and for our players,” said Natascha.
Join the team:
The U13 and U18 Colts season will begin in June. The HVRC is also wanting to start an U20 men’s and U20 women’s side. To join any of the four teams, contact Natascha on 072 612 9675 or e-mail nataschakretzel@gmail.com.
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