Our big boys could yet learn from the small fry

IN THE wake of the Suzuki Griquas’ thrilling SA Cup campaign – where they came within a whisker of a home final and were eventually dethroned as champions by a motivated Pumas outfit – the team’s supporters and rugby fans everywhere can still celebrate a squad that always gives 100% in every game.

But they weren’t the only ones. The Blitzboks recently lifted the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles. The Proteas are gearing up for the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord's. Even the mighty Springboks remain reigning world champions. 

It's impressive how South African professional sport has really kicked on.

No, I have not forgotten about Bafana Bafana and the victorious Under-20s; but more about them a bit later.

First, allow me to get to the point of what I intend to say, which is simply this: Having role models like Springbok players, Proteas cricketers, Bafana footballers, sprinters, athletes and MMA champions is a good thing; it sets the bar high and inspires young people to reach for their dreams.

But I would like to take a moment to salute and celebrate some unsung heroes; heroes I saw, touched and interacted with in my life.

Fertilisers of the grassroots

I am speaking about the teachers who were out there, when I was at primary school, training, coaching and putting young children through their paces on the rugby, hockey and soccer fields, cricket pitches and netball and tennis courts.

I was a bit of a nerd, so sports were not my thing. But my classmates had the privilege of being trained and coached by giants. There were First Team players from the local rugby clubs, Griquas and even National team players under the Sacos banner who diligently turned up to train youngsters in the finer points of the game, getting their bodies hard, flexible and agile, and their minds strong for competition and conflict.

Nowadays, school sport in the previously disadvantaged communities – which just so happen to still be pretty disadvantaged – has all but flickered out to nothingness, and many of our youth drift off into other, less desirable pursuits.

Modern-day heroes

However, I am glad that I still get to tip my hat to modern-day heroes.

Today in Kimberley, there’s a flourishing archery community, thanks to a determined and dedicated crew at Africa Genesis Archery. Our rhythmic gymnastics team from Rhythmia always turns up when there’s a national, and sometimes international, contest.

Dare we not mention the Spakes Soccer Academy that has taken young, aspiring footballers under their wing to mould them and prepare them – not merely to succeed in the game, but above all, to enjoy it!

Local is lekker

Kimberley also has thriving martial arts dojos and dojangs. And boxing clubs, despite their fair share of challenges, still have trainers who pitch up to shape, mould and build the next generation.

Now, here’s the reason I never mentioned our national soccer team earlier … Even with the list of sports I mentioned, there is no way I can mention everyone. Kimberley has tug-of-war clubs, wrestling clubs and other sports dotted throughout the city.

For the record, the DFA would love to brag about them to the rest of South Africa. Because at our paper, though we celebrate our heroes in green and gold, we applaud those who have the grit and guts to show that it takes more than a professional career to make a hero, it takes a big heart, even if it’s in a small body.

If you would like your team or club featured in the Diamond Fields Advertiser, contact the DFA's Sports Desk at lance.fredericks@acm.co.za or ‪‪‪‪‪‪danie.vanderlith@acm.co.za‬‬‬‬‬‬.