Amanzimtoti Youth Rugby Club appoints new director of coaching
Dirk Smith has not only been a valued member of the Amanzimtoti Rugby Club for many years, but has also contributed significantly as a player for the senior teams and a coach for the youth. His primary focus as the new director of coaching will be to enhance player development and community engagement.
AMANZIMTOTI Youth Rugby Club’s Dirk Smit, who has been a valued member of the club for many years, has been appointed as the new director of coaching for 2024.
He has been passionate about rugby since he was a child, starting in primary school and continuing through high school. He played for Witrivier Rugby Club until the age of 23 when major injuries forced him to stop.
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“At 38, I decided to play for the Toti Rugby Club because one of my and my son’s biggest dreams is to share the field one day. I started coaching about eight years ago when he first started playing rugby. He’s now 14,” said Smit.
Not only has he contributed significantly as a player for the senior teams but also as a coach for the youth. His experience and knowledge as head coach last year led the U12 and U13 teams to win 22 out of 26 games.
In his new role, Smit will oversee all coaches and team managers for the youth teams.
“I plan to remain actively involved in coaching while overseeing the coaching process. I can successfully balance both duties, which include developing training programmes, mentoring coaches and ensuring strategies align with team goals. Being directly involved helps me stay connected with players and staff,” he said.
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Smit said he will also focus on enhancing player development, community engagement and fostering a positive club culture. “I believe that by implementing these strategies, I can create a good and thriving environment that will drive the club towards success on and off the field,” he said.
Every year brings new challenges, and surpassing last season’s results will be his primary focus.
“The junior teams have strong numbers and talent. The season has been fairly good so far, and the teams are getting stronger with each practice and game. It doesn’t matter if you win, draw or lose – the fact that you showed up, participated, gave it your best and worked as a team is all that matters. Learning from mistakes and preparing for the next game is key,” said Smit.
When he is not fulfilling his new duties, his time revolves around his two children. He finds great satisfaction in watching them perform academically and on the sports field, leaving little time for other hobbies at this stage.
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