Westville rugby coach is invested in young talent
After spending a few years playing in England, Njabulo Zulu who is now the first rugby team coach, said nurturing young talent is what he had always desired to do in his life.
WESTVILLE Boys’ High School’s first-team coach Njabulo Zulu’s first love of rugby began when he went to watch his older brother play at primary school.
“I was so proud and in awe of him and wanted to follow his lead. It was also around the 1995 World Cup period, and watching the guys lift the trophy also inspired me. I also really loved the physical nature of the game and longed to be part of a team with a great bunch of brothers,” he said.
Even as a young boy, Zulu said he could see all the wonderful intangibles of this game.
Also read: Rugby coach shares his Rugby World Cup 2023 predictions
Little did he know that he would go on to play for the Westville Boys High School first team for three years.
It was followed by the honour to playing in the KZN U18 Craven Week.
From there, he received a Golden Lions junior contract to play U19 and U21 Currie Cup rugby.
He has also spent some years in England before calling it a day and becoming a coach.
“Once I started to coach, I knew that this was what I desired to do in my life. I grew in my coaching and rose up the ranks at school, club and provincial level with the Lions Schools U18 set-up.
“Westville Boys’ came calling, and so it was time to return home to Durban. I assisted the 1st XV for three years before becoming the head coach which I have been for the last three years. I have also had the honour of coaching as an assistant of the Craven Week side. It has been such an exciting journey,” he said.
Touch, pause, engage
What is your earliest Rugby World Cup memory? Watching South Africa win the first game of the ’95 World Cup against Australia. I watched it on TV with my brother and was so chuffed that we won against the defending champs.
What is your favourite Rugby World Cup memory? When we won the 2007 Rugby World Cup, I was playing rugby in England at the time, so it was awesome to watch the Boks lift the trophy against England in the final.
Who do you think is going to win this year? South Africa.
Where is the best spot to watch a Springbok game? Jolly Rogers in Parkhurst or Grand Slam in Edenvale. I watched a lot of Bok games in Johannesburg.
What is the best snack to eat when watching a Springbok game? Biltong.
Are you one to sing the national anthem at the highest volume or do you prefer listening to others sing it? I belt it out and even harmonise with the lead singer.
Share the gees
SA Rugby has launched its #BokFriday campaign.
The campaign is a nationwide initiative aimed at rallying support for the South African Springboks in their quest to defend their title at the Rugby World Cup.
To show your unity and support for the Springboks, the national #BokFriday campaign invites individuals, celebrities, the media, schools, businesses, and communities across the country to wear the green and gold.
With your help, the campaign aims to encourage every school to participate weekly on #BokFriday by wearing green and gold.
“Donning green and gold on Fridays serves as a symbol of support, inspiring the Springboks on their journey. It’s a call to action, urging South Africans to rally together behind their national team and generate a wave of positive energy throughout the nation,” SA Rugby said in a statement.
You can also share your photos by tagging SA Rugby and hashtagging #BokFriday.
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