Nyanga rugby coach heads to Crusaders in quest for international expertise

Nyanga youth rugby coach Sakhumzi Vapi has been steadily building a rugby home for the community’s youth. 

Having established a junior rugby setup four years ago, Sakhumzi Rugby Organisation (SRO), he knows the work is still in its baby stages if it is to become a success story. 

That means he also must keep acquiring knowledge himself before he can continue doing the work of teaching his students.

His club combines the game with biblical teachings. In his own playing days, he was a steady performer for False Bay RFC, before going back to his roots to establish a junior club after hanging up his boots. 

He did so believing that he had amassed enough knowledge to at least give back, especially to Nyanga and surrounding schools. 

But one can never stop learning, no matter how far they may have travelled. 

This is why, sometime next year, he will have the opportunity to spend time with one of the best club rugby sides in the world, the Crusaders from New Zealand.

He will be there for a coaching course and training experience, as he keeps sharpening his own skills, which he plans on transferring to the young ones in his surroundings. 

Vapi says the trip will help him advance his coaching techniques and rugby education, which he will bring back and give to the Nyanga rugby players. 

“I’m also looking to strengthen international relationships for future exchanges and opportunities. This will also inspire young players in disadvantaged communities by showing that dedication leads to global opportunities,” said Vapi. 

International exposure can bring massive momentum for the Nyanga side, which Vapi hopes to explore through this trip.

“I’m hoping to use the Crusaders experience to train other local coaches, multiplying impact across Cape Town’s townships. This in turn will create a clear development pathway from grassroots to provincial or professional rugby,” he said. 

The SRO programme includes players between the ages of seven and 18 in their system, and part of their recent experience includes playing against touring schools from New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. 

For more information, call  068 261 4189 or email sakumzirugbyorganisation@gmail.com