RUGBY star Courtney Mwatsiya aims to inspire his son to take up the team sport due to the many benefits.
Mwatsiya, 32 , who lives on The Bluff, is the captain of the Optimum Harlequins Rugby Club’s first team. His current position is eighth man.
“I want him to see how passionate I am about the team sport, and to see the benefits and positive impact it can have on a person’s life. I want him to know that he has my support in the decisions he makes, even if it’s not to take up rugby, but in his life choices” he said.
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Mwatsiya, who was born in Zimbabwe, said he started playing rugby by chance while in high school at age 14.
“I was never a rugby guy, and actually played cricket. However, one day, our school’s rugby coach went around the classrooms asking the boys to try out for the team, as they were short of players. He had told me to come try out. I was a big build boy and quite fast.
“However, I was passionate about cricket and decided not to and ended up loving it. I decided that if I was going to get involved in it, then I was going to give it my all,” he said.
Mwatsiya, who went on to play club rugby after school, said the team sport gave him the opportunity to stay away from social ills.
“I grew up in a rough neighbourhood, where many young people took the wrong path because of the lack of opportunities. I didn’t want that life and playing rugby was my escape. There was no time to be out on the streets, especially after training or a match. You just want to get home and relax. Rugby definitely played a big role in the man I am today,” he said.
Mwatsiya, who moved to South Africa in 2018, said he joined his current club shortly thereafter.
“I had recently moved to The Bluff and one day while at the gym, I saw these two men wearing a t-shirt with a club logo. It just so happened that one of the men was the team’s coach and he encouraged me to try out. It was the best decision I made. One of the highlights in that same year of joining, was winning forward player of the year, “ he said.
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Mwatsiya said there were benefits in playing rugby.
“Apart from really enjoying myself out on the field, I am able to release all of the tension. As men we have to find some way to release our emotions and get rid of the bad energy when it has been a bad day at work or home. Another great benefit is the brotherhood. These are men that will go above and beyond to see you do your best,” he said.
The father of two, a daughter, 2, and son, four-months-old, said his goal is to be his children’s biggest supporters.
“Since my son was born, I have been thinking about how I need to be out on the field long enough so he can watch me play. I want him to learn the game and hopefully see how great an impact it can have on a person ‘s life.
“However, even if he doesn’t want to play, I will support him in his choices, as well as my daughter. I think it is very important for parents to support their children as it could be the start of a great future for them,” he said.
Those interested in trying out for the team, can attend one of their training sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 17:30, at the Harlequins sports grounds situated at 50 Garcin Place on The Bluff.
The first team will be playing against the Ballito Dolphins in an away game on August 5, at 15:30.
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