Based in the heart of Newlands, the Danie Van Zyl Recreation Centre is home to clubs of various codes. One such club is the Danie van Zyl Wrestling Club, which has been going strong since 2010. It is lead by Danie Erasmus, who has 25 years’ experience in wrestling, having started at the age of 4 years. It is that experience that he has been imparting to his wrestlers while guiding them into becoming champions on the mat.
“Unfortunately, situations in my life such as a motorbike accident cut short my involvement in the sport.
Then five years ago, my brother Kobus (known as Ananzi) started this wrestling school and told me there are lots of children that we might be able to help become active. I came to the club one night, and there was a wrestling mat ready and waiting for me. As I stepped into the hall, God just said, ‘This is for you to give back what you’ve got’,” said Danie.
The wrestling club was registered as an NPO a year later, and during the first years, the club’s administration costs were provided by Danie from his own pocket. At the time, very few parents were involved and this made running the club challenging. However, Danie did not give up during the difficult times, and as interest in the sport grew, some parents volunteered to assist in the administration.
“We’ve had children here who have used dagga and sniffed glue – children from the streets. They come here and I try to offer guidance to them using Christianity. But it’s because I talk from experience that I can empathise with them. It was then that I became a father-figure in the club – even more so because many of the wrestlers’ fathers have passed away, are in jail or are alcoholics.
It was a heartsore thing because I have a family of my own, but the club members have now become my family too,” he said.
Danie became so involved in the children’s lives that the principals of the various schools the pupils attended began calling him to inform him of how naughty the pupil was at school.
“I would then have to go to their homes and have a talk with them and guide them towards the correct path. They respect me, and some of these children have grown up around me. One of the children who used to smoke dagga became a head prefect at his school, and seeing that change is very encouraging. We had a case as well where one of the children saw his grandmother being burned alive, and we worked with that child. That’s why we do this and have this place – it’s to help and to develop the kids. This is the perfect area for something like this. I grew up in this area and I’m like the headmaster of the area,” said Danie.
The club also has its own Danie Voges Tournament, named after a local wrestling hero from the 80s. Danie hopes that his wrestlers aspire to be like that wrestling hero.
“I started with these children from scratch – they had no wrestling experience. Now I’ve got 17 provincial champions, but I don’t have a South African champion yet, just a runner-up. Last year we went to Cape Town and for some it was their first time travelling. Next year, some will be old enough to travel overseas. Everyone is equal in my club, rich or poor. One of the things I’ve learned in my life is humility, so I try to teach my wrestlers that. For team-building, I would take them out to the pools and not a single member misses out. Everyone goes,” he said.
When it comes to wrestling and life, one of the big points Danie lives by is ‘basics’ which he said he imparts to his wrestlers instead of over-complicating issues.
“Just stick to them and you can’t go wrong. We are providing a platform for our youngsters especially those from this impoverished area. The wrestlers are able to teach the sport in other schools, and this can enhance their lives and make money. I just teach the basics and if I or the wrestlerz feel that they are not getting enough growth here, then they are allowed to move on to the next level at another club,” said Danie.
Although the year is drawing to a close and the club’s wrestlers are working hard to keep themselves fit, their coach Danie has big dreams of expanding his club to new heights.
“I believe in development and to be their coach has helped me grow as a person. I want to see this club becoming a big entity in the West Rand – I have big ideas for this club, but they will take time. I know at the right place and time, things will happen,” he said.
Danie’s Christmas wish-list this year contains a wish for a new mat and sponges to be fitted at the club;however, due to financial constraints, the club cannot afford it. A mini-bus to transport children to and from club activities is also on Danie’s wish-list.
For more information on the club, contact Ansie Esterhuizen on 082 637 3363 or send a mail to mevessie1@gmail.com.
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