Diamante development team gaining experience at VKB Rugby Week in Reitz

A determined group of young rugby players from Kimberley are currently flying the flag for their schools at the prestigious VKB Rugby Week in Reitz, Free State.

The team, affectionately known as "Diamante", is a combined side made up of second and third team players from Diamantveld High School, Adamantia High School, NJ Heyns and Elizabeth Conradie School.

Unlike many of the polished first-team squads they are up against, the Diamante squad was formed to give opportunities to players who don’t normally get the chance to compete at a national school tournament level.

Despite facing tough opposition, the spirit within the team remains strong.

Speaking to the Diamond Fields Advertiser (DFA), team coach and manager Eddie Lightfoot explained the purpose behind the team’s participation.

“This team was specifically selected from players who usually play in the second and third teams,” said Lightfoot. “They don’t often get the opportunity to take part in events like these, so this is a big moment for them.”

The VKB Rugby Week, now in its 26th year, is known for drawing top school rugby talent from across the country. For the Diamante team, it’s a steep learning curve.

The side suffered their first loss of the tournament on day one, but Lightfoot remains positive about the road ahead.

“This is a really good tournament,” he said. “We are playing against teams from a much higher league than we are used to, but the experience they are gaining is invaluable. I believe things will get better once the team starts gelling together.”

With several days of rugby still ahead, the players will need to dig deep, regroup, and build their cohesion quickly if they hope to notch up a win.

For these young athletes, it’s not just about winning. It’s about testing themselves, representing their schools, and growing their game under pressure.

As Lightfoot and his team continue their campaign in Reitz, they carry with them the hopes of their peers back in Kimberley and the chance to prove that with heart and determination, every player deserves their moment to shine.