Learners of Orchards Primary school continue to develop a keen interest and get more involved in playing rugby.
Three Golden Lions three players Peter-John Steenkamp, Vincent Tshituka and Darrien-Lane Landsberg visited the school on 30 August to hand out tickets to the children for their Currie Cup semi-final match against Griquas played on 31 August at Ellis Park.
Some learners got their Lions supporters rugby jerseys signed by the players.
The three players motivated the learners to get more involved in sport and advised them to focus on their school work.
Landsberg said the school was a preparation ground for young talent. “We are here to give children tickets so that they can come and enjoy the game with us,” he added. “Taking them to the stadium brings that sense of encouragement and allows them to see their heroes playing. It also gives them that sense and puts them in an environment that when they play rugby, they will give their best knowing that one day they can also be out there.”.
The school’s rugby coach Selwyn January said they were working very hard to get the young boys to perform at the highest level.
He added that over the past 10 years, they had produced many rugby players and some had received scholarships through rugby. Two of the learners play for the Lions. Katlego Mokoena plays for the U13 team and Junior Shivuru plays for the U12s.
January said there was a time when children were only interested in soccer but they have since developed an interest in other sports.
“Orchards Primary is doing quite well in rugby,” he added. “Most of them are changing to rugby now. We have a huge rugby culture in the school and have five teams.”
“Every year for the past 10 years we have produced provincial players. Most of the boys who acquire provincial colours are doing quite well in rugby and most of them get scholarships in well-established schools.”
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