After much preparation, sports activities are back on at Sandringham High School
SANDRINGHAM – The spotlight was recently shone on the discipline of rugby which the school has always been popular for.
Sports activities are gaining momentum at Sandringham High School.
The learners recently began rugby practices and rugby coordinator and coach Paul Farrow said most of the boys had not played rugby before, and only a few had taken part in the sport prior to all sports being stopped at the school.
“We will be starting the Saturday clinics now so that all the boys can be present because right now they’re split into groups. Our vision is simple, the Grade 12s are having their final year, therefore, they need to make it a good one as we’re planning on lifting a few trophies, including the [tournament] that we’re going to be hosting here in April.
“They have to leave a legacy so that the Grade 8s who have just come to the school now learn the sports tradition and pass it on to the next generation. So this is like a five-year project that we’re working on. Everyone must just watch this space.”
Sports director at the school Roberto Mukendi said there had always been a strong culture of rugby at the school. “The school has always been well represented in rugby, even prior to my time here. After the school went through a financial crisis a few years ago, the decision was made to cancel sports. However, once things were restructured and management changed, they reinstated sports and that is what we are working on now,” he added.
He said they were reintroducing a few sporting codes which included rugby, soccer and netball.
“I matriculated at the school in 2009, and got qualifications in sports management. Sports and this school have always been a passion for me and since they have done so much for me, I always feel like giving back.
“At the moment it’s just about growth. We want the children to understand and know rugby. Once we have achieved that phase, then we will worry about competing. The boys can definitely compete but they still need more guidance. There is definitely talent here but it will take a bit of nurturing.”
Grade 12 learner and rugby captain Neo Mhlongo said he had played the sport since Grade 8 and was inspired by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. Grade 10 learner Mphikeleli Nyangule said his former school did not have rugby so he was grateful for the opportunity to play at Sandringham as he wanted to become a professional player when he grew up.
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