Saru to launch transformation initiative
8 Dec 2011
With the backing of the National Lottery and Department of Sport and Recreation, Saru plans to launch a major Academy Project that has the potential to dramatically increase the opportunities for black players.
Fikile Mbalula, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, announced a Saru pilot initiative to open four rugby academies within the Eastern Province, Border, South Western Districts and Boland Rugby Unions. The plan is dependent on the release of funding by the National Lottery.
Saru hopes to induct 120 young players into the academies across the Eastern, Southern and Western Cape regions. They will receive expert coaching as well sports science, dietary and supplementation support. They will play for the age group teams of their unions and ‘graduate’ at the age of 21.
‘We are hopeful of confirming this major Saru initiative in due course,’ said Oregan Hoskins, the president of Saru. ‘It has the potential to break significant, new ground and will help address our long-standing concern over the drop off in black player numbers between schools and professional rugby.
‘The programme will also equip young players with the life skills to manage their careers and its demands in a way that was clearly and so tragically absent in the life of Solly Tyibilika.
‘But, in its basics, it is about levelling the playing field and giving talented young players the chance to compete with their peers on an equal footing.’
Hoskins warned however that the academy initiative would remain stalled without extended backing. Saru hopes to confirm details in the new year.
The project is planned to start with a grant of R35m by Lotto. The application was made in September 2010 and Saru hopes to receive the written confirmation in the very near future. Funding beyond the first year is still being sourced but Mbalula said he would support Saru’s application for funding on a continuous basis.
The academies will use existing facilities to concentrate spending on player development. Each academy will have a full-time staff of six and a part-time doctor. Players will spend 40 weeks of the year at the academy and will, in addition, pursue further education programmes.
Hoskins said that although creating new Springboks was desirable, the focus of the academies was more fundamental.
‘Let’s not have any illusions,’ he said. ‘These academies are not expected to be new “Springbok conveyor belts”. We are not in competition with the metropolitan unions for young players and those unions will continue to select and recruit the very best emerging players from all communities.
‘But there are a large number of talented young players who show outstanding potential but then fail to make the cut for reasons of conditioning and nutrition as much as skill and ability. These academies will go some way to addressing that issue by providing a safety net.’
Saru is pursuing plans to open five further academies across the country. An application for two further academies – at the Griffons and Valke provincial unions – was not successful at the first attempt.
139 Comments
8 Dec 2011, 16:45 pm
Transformation initiative; what about a tacitus or even katman initiative?
It’s unfair.
8 Dec 2011, 16:53 pm
hmmm…….will this academy be only for black kids or only for those from a disadvantaged background?
the parallels with the “arme blanke” apartheid upliftment programs just prove that the more things change….
8 Dec 2011, 17:04 pm
Good initiative. The barriers to non-whites remain more steadfast than those of white kids in pursuing rugby as a career.
8 Dec 2011, 17:11 pm
@Michael-3: really?
so the answer is to fatten up a few black kids, give them all the opportunities (including quotas) and hey presto! we are living the dream!
how about coaching clinics at schools that already exist?
black schools if you must but really, how many “white schools” are there in south africa?
none.
this is tokenism and social engineering at its crackpot best imo.
8 Dec 2011, 17:12 pm
basically what this means is that heyneke meyer is guaranteed to become the next springbok coach and saru is setting up a transformation initiative smokescreen to deflect from any potential fallout.
8 Dec 2011, 17:12 pm
@rangerman-4: There is no such thing as a level playing field in SA.
8 Dec 2011, 17:16 pm
“The programme will also equip young players with the life skills to manage their careers and its demands in a way that was clearly and so tragically absent in the life of Solly Tyibilika.”
Bravo SARU.
Better late than never. You could have had this years ago if you had adopted Smal’s plan for the Eastern Cape.
Maybe this is a condition of appointing Smal as coach.
8 Dec 2011, 17:20 pm
I don’t have a problem with this.
As long as these guys are truly disadvantaged, and not the kids of some BEE millionaire fat cat working in a government procurement department but moonlighting as a catering and cleaning services tenderpreneur.
8 Dec 2011, 17:22 pm
@Michael-6: you’re wasting your time, Rangerman is a serial whinger
to him it’s them vs us…altyd.
he reckons a boy that went to paul roos and played 1st team but didn’t make the cut for the WP u18 is on an equal footing with a boy from kieskamma hoek who matriculated @ nompumelelo high school.
8 Dec 2011, 17:24 pm
@Tacitus-8: heheheh are there a lot of those?
8 Dec 2011, 17:29 pm
@Transformation-10:
Hehe. A few, yes.
8 Dec 2011, 17:33 pm
@Transformation-9: Or a kid from Grassy Park having access to the same facilities, nutrition and support systems as someone from the southern suburbs.
No, SARU are to be congratulated as long as it is implemented correctly.
8 Dec 2011, 17:37 pm
@Tacitus-8: what if he’s declared his interests and recuses himself in meetings where his company has tendered?
8 Dec 2011, 17:40 pm
@Michael-12: people always pay lip service to development issues and yet when other ideas pop up, the first issue is “will this be exclusive”?
and it’s a downhill slope from there
8 Dec 2011, 17:42 pm
@Transformation-14: So true
8 Dec 2011, 17:43 pm
@Transformation-13:
Why, you feeling the heat based on the example I gave?
8 Dec 2011, 17:52 pm
@Tacitus-16: “heat”? Tac, relax…just joshing with you
8 Dec 2011, 17:55 pm
@Michael-15: the truth is, rugby in previously disenfranchised areas STILL needs it’s own RDP.
8 Dec 2011, 17:56 pm
i’m off manne…gym calls (no peter davies)
8 Dec 2011, 18:01 pm
@Michael-6: there is no such thing as a level playing field ANYWHERE mate.
thats a fact.
@Transformation-9: hey, dont put the kids from nompumelelo down mate, some of them may surprise you.
8 Dec 2011, 18:04 pm
anyway, i am all for growing rugga and getting as many talented kids of all hues playing as possible.
so in truth i hope this is a success.
8 Dec 2011, 18:15 pm
At least this is a better idea than “forcing” the inclusion of a certain quota of players based on their race into representative sides. At least this new project’s aim is to grow the pool of black players – that’s what transformation is about, not the window dressing we have seen in the past.
ps I hope they catch these kids young (i.e. 8 yrs old to 13yrs old) to give them enough time to develop their skills and to grow a proper feel for rugby.
8 Dec 2011, 18:18 pm
This is along the lines of what many have been saying for more than 10 years.
It focuses money in the areas where black people like rugby and where they are likely to fall off for various reasons be they economic, social etc.
The focus should not be on counting black Boks but on how many black players we keep in the game.
If we keep 60 of those 120 players in the game past the age of 21 then its logical that some will make provincial and some will maybe make the national team.
And even if they don’t make it big they will get an education they would not have gotten otherwise.
Add the numbers into the playing pot and in the long term we will get transformation
Well done SARU. Hope the sponsors step up
8 Dec 2011, 18:19 pm
@wooden spoon-22: ja look i agree its better than nothing but the only worry i have is that it takes talent away from communities and a possible outcome is that these communities dont nurture and develope their rugby culture.
obviously this doesnt stand for places like the EC where rugby culture seems well rooted.
then again, role models and success stories breed interest and further success so hopefully that will be the result.
8 Dec 2011, 18:22 pm
@Transformation-14: spot on, exposes their own inner mindset , or lack of genuineness
8 Dec 2011, 18:27 pm
@Papoose-25: @Transformation-14: dont stifle debate mates, the flavour always changes.
8 Dec 2011, 18:28 pm
I thought transformation in sport was meant to help all, and not just a “select few”. Instead of actually tackling the problem, why is SARU trying to paper over it by focusing on black representation on the Bok level? Do they not see that having an all black Bok team means nothing if a large chunk of the population does not have access to the game. A rising tide floats ALL boats… No?
No… I call shenanigans. SARU has never been interested in transformation. Yeah, once or twice a year they publicly wail about the lack of transformation in order to appease the politicians, but once that is done with, it’s back to business as usual. Their overall goal seems to be about maintaining the status quo as it seems to serve their purpose, and I honestly do not have a problem with that. Just don’t insult our collective intelligence by harping about transformation year in and year out, and then proceeding to do the bare minimum to get you by. It just makes me so angry.
Rant over!
By the way, why is Hoskins’ so condescending? Who is he to imply that these kids of color going into these academies will lack “life skills”. Hey @sshole, stop using the tragedy for your agenda.
8 Dec 2011, 18:28 pm
@Biscuit-23: Nice 1 you biscuit you!
8 Dec 2011, 18:33 pm
@rangerman-26: stifle debate?
if you have a position, which exposes you as approving of beating your woman, how can you call us arguing during “16 days activism against women and children”, as me stifling the debate?
seriously?
8 Dec 2011, 18:35 pm
@Transformation-18: You can say that again.
8 Dec 2011, 18:36 pm
I think it’s a commendable and long-overdue undertaking. I wonder, though, at the timing of the announcement.
We will do it IF we get the money really doesn’t mean anything at all. That’s like saying I’m gonna build a stunning house on that seaside plot if I can get someone to finance it.
Surely the prudent/honest approach would be to announce the project only when financing has been secured? Right now it smacks a little of appeasement – we’re really trying to do something… we just want someone else to pay for it.
8 Dec 2011, 18:36 pm
@rangerman-20: You’re glossing.
8 Dec 2011, 18:38 pm
@slow114-27: Re-read it again slowly. It’s not about the Boks, for once.
8 Dec 2011, 18:39 pm
@Hooker22-31: Nah it smacks of upping the ante to ensure they do receive the funding.
8 Dec 2011, 18:39 pm
Thanks for sorting the damn logon issues out on the site finally…
8 Dec 2011, 18:40 pm
@PissAnt-35: And for no announcement during or afterwards.
8 Dec 2011, 18:40 pm
@rangerman-20:
Anyone who denies that black communities in general are seriously disadvantaged is just being deliberately obtuse.
That said, i believe an undertaking like this should be available to ALL who are currently disadvantaged. irrespective of colour, if you’re poor NOW, you should be eligible. This whole previously disadvantaged label is way too broad and all encompassing. The kids from advantaged black families should not be considered.
8 Dec 2011, 18:42 pm
@Hooker22-31:
Consider where these academies are mainly going to be built. Consider the all important announcement of Super Rugby participation in 2013 that needs to be finalised in about a month from now…
SA Rugby are pushing through this announcement without having secured squat for a very, very simple reason…
8 Dec 2011, 18:43 pm
@Michael-34:
Maybe, Michael. Or maybe it’s just another case of the lip service for which SARU is so renowned.
8 Dec 2011, 18:43 pm
@Michael-36:
Indeed.
8 Dec 2011, 18:45 pm
@PissAnt-38:
Explain please, PA.
Are you saying because the Kings won’t get Super 15 participation, this is their way of appeasing them? Or that because the Kings will get Super 15 participation, this is meant to serve as a feeder system to their squads?
8 Dec 2011, 18:49 pm
@Hooker22-41:
Or are you saying something completely different that I’m just too doff to grasp…?
8 Dec 2011, 18:52 pm
@Hooker22-41:
The prior.
8 Dec 2011, 18:53 pm
@PissAnt-43:
The prior in your post 41 I mean – you are not dof.
8 Dec 2011, 18:55 pm
@PissAnt-44:
LOL. That’s not what my wife says.
And apparently I can’t even spell dof.
8 Dec 2011, 18:56 pm
SARU how about getting into talkd with the SABC to broadcast more games on the telly. This will generate a lot more interest and more kids will become involved.
8 Dec 2011, 18:59 pm
@Tuna-46:
Yup, like the second division CC games for one which will be competed by unions in smaller, rural areas…
8 Dec 2011, 19:00 pm
@Hooker22-45:
8 Dec 2011, 19:02 pm
@Papoose-29: beating women?
classic example of an attempted browbeat buddy sorry, but this has nothing to do with beating women, it is about wether concentrating resources on one sector of the population to undo damage done when another group was selectively concentrated on in the past is a valid strategy which will benefit the WHOLE country.
otherwise why should i give a toss is little sipho from sadsville plays for the boks instead of little frikkie from bellville?
stick to the topic instead of taking a chest beating stance please, i dont think insults will further our understanding of each others positions?
@Michael-32: haha, and you are not?
please man, this paper idea without current funding is pure gloss so far lets be honest.
@Hooker22-37: ag we all know black communities are on the whole disadvantaged man, i acknowlege it, think apartheid was disgusting and resent the generations before me who have saddled me with this predicament.
i just question the wisdom of using selective resource application to undo selective resource application, thats all.
if it was schools based i would be so much more comfortable is all i am saying.
p.s. how is feeding up a few black kids who show talent and ignoring the rest who dont a good thing? maybe even the less talented ones would love a bit of decent coaching and access to rugby?
8 Dec 2011, 19:11 pm
Okaaaaayyyyyy….
Can some “Transformation” boffin please help me in understanding:
- Why this whole rigmarole is put into a “Transformation” box?
- Is this not rugby “development” as opposed to “Transformation”?
- Or is “Development” = ” Transformation”?
Is this a Keo misinterpretation or is this a cynical SARU jumping on a “Transformation” bandwagon and confusing themselves on the difference between “Transformation” and “Development”…. Thats if there is a difference… Maybe this Janitor is confused.
8 Dec 2011, 19:20 pm
@Heavens Game-50: “But, in its basics, it is about levelling the playing field and giving talented young players the chance to compete with their peers on an equal footing.” – FARK ME… Noble intentions…
With 120 black kids….?
And how many other kids of all different melanin concentrations will be coming through the system, without this “levelling” who may prove to be superior to every one of the “chosen” 120…
Lets be honest – SARU has never been known for excellent and efficient talent identification and nurturing… How much talent slips through the SARU net every year never to be heard of again…?
8 Dec 2011, 19:21 pm
@Heavens Game-50:
Development, given a ‘transformation’ theme by Regan Hoskins:
“It has the potential to break significant, new ground and will help address our long-standing concern over the drop off in black player numbers between schools and professional rugby.”
8 Dec 2011, 19:21 pm
@Heavens Game-50: these academies will be LIMITED to black kids only it seems:
‘It has the potential to break significant, new ground and will help address our long-standing concern over the drop off in black player numbers between schools and professional rugby.”
therefore it is “transformation”
Rugby developement is what is done when Ian Mac coaches a host of schools with kids of all hues.
8 Dec 2011, 19:23 pm
@PissAnt-52: So anything involving a signal word “black” = Transformation theme…
So Transformation = Black?
8 Dec 2011, 19:24 pm
The ‘plan’ itself sounds bloody brilliant – but excuse me for not jumping up and down quite yet.
8 Dec 2011, 19:25 pm
@rangerman-53: I ask in 54, what you imply here…
Maybe I’m stating the obvious: Transformation = Black, but why don’t people just call a spade a spade…eh?
8 Dec 2011, 19:28 pm
@PissAnt-55: The “chosen” 120 vs how many brilliant kids of all hues coming through on their own bat?
Not really that brilliant… Sounds to me like an experiment with a 120 member “control group”… as opposed to anything sustainable…
I would call it Pi.ssing against the Wind…
8 Dec 2011, 19:28 pm
@Heavens Game-54: seems that way.
8 Dec 2011, 19:29 pm
@Heavens Game-54:
Their focus is on black players, it is concentrated in the ‘hub of black rugby players’ (Eastern Cape).
If the academies was for the development of ALL players (I am sure I saw some white folks last time I was in the Eastern Cape) then it is a simple academy initiative.
Every single headline I have read on this subject included the word transformation.
8 Dec 2011, 19:32 pm
@Heavens Game-56: ja transformation defo means black in this plan.
not “equal access” or “level playing fields” (what stupid concepts honestly, in sport we cheer the underdog, the one who rises above adversity or lack of resources and conquers IN SPITE of these issues plus level playing fields are a myth).
just 120 black kids.
from the tens of thousands that could be exposed to rugby at school level and build a solid future player base.
oh well.
8 Dec 2011, 19:32 pm
@Heavens Game-57:
I am a massive supporter of proper transformation, like I said I think the plan sounds brilliant, but I am reminded of an academy promised to the EC 3 years ago too…
8 Dec 2011, 19:36 pm
@PissAnt-61: what is “proper transformation” PA?
8 Dec 2011, 19:37 pm
thats no a faecetious question btw.
8 Dec 2011, 19:42 pm
@PissAnt-59: This addresses a fundamental question then: What the fck is Transformation?
Is it redress?
Is it selective development?
Is it colour based?
Or is it all of the above?
Or is it none of the above?
Selectively choosing 120 “special” ones will involve what criteria? Who is going to drive this – SARU? Is this going to be a Sports Science led thing where the chosen 120 talent identification will be scientifically based or is this just a SARU propaganda initiative to show that they are “serious” about “transformation”….
Will 120 be chosen every year on a sustainable basis or is this a one-off… 120 is not a large number in the big scheme of things where a few thousand young players come through every year…
What about the overall holistic development of the “chosen” 120 – their education etc. Why not just give 120 bursaries to the best rugby schools with boarding establishments in the country… Or to various rugby academies of the best Rugby Unions? Improving current player development structures….
8 Dec 2011, 19:43 pm
A couple of thoughts on this as noble as it seems:
1) Seeing that the kids will graduate at age 21, at what age will they be enrolled at such academy? Presumably at 18 so they still play age-group rugby.
2) And SARU wants to induct 120 young players across the academies. I’d get more excited if it was 120 per academy.
3) It’s only R35 bars we’re talking about here. And i’m sure that’ll get spent wisely.
8 Dec 2011, 19:43 pm
Is this gonna be a brawl cos I will moer you all
8 Dec 2011, 19:44 pm
@rangerman-62: You beat me to it… What is “transformation”, never mind “proper”…?
8 Dec 2011, 19:45 pm
I cannot believe some of the cr*p I’m reading here in the form of objections. Most of the time the bloggers are objecting to a quota system and saying that “transformation” should start at grass roots level. Now they’re nitpicking that this scheme doesn’t include disadvantaged white children. What a crowd of intellectually dishonest hypocrits.
8 Dec 2011, 19:48 pm
@IAAS-65: So that is R292000 per individual… Once off… and then SARU can say that they have “transformed” rugby…
The 120 Super Players…better than anything produced by Grey Bloem? We shall see… Why don’t they do this but organise another 120 bursaries to the best rugger schools and see which program does better in producing not only better rugby players but more well rounded individuals… ?
8 Dec 2011, 19:48 pm
@Dawn-66:
this is a serious discussion Dawnie.
we are using rugby as a metaphor for life in the long established south african tradition.
no brawling intended from my side.
8 Dec 2011, 19:49 pm
@David-68: Can you farken read?
8 Dec 2011, 19:51 pm
@Dawn-66: Relax Dawny, unless you actually want a brawl… (And dont call me a dronkie, okay?)
8 Dec 2011, 19:52 pm
@Heavens Game-72: Forgot the smiley
8 Dec 2011, 19:55 pm
I have never called you dronkie.
But you were on a bender that time! Don’t deny it!
8 Dec 2011, 19:57 pm
@David-68: why cant we discuss this topic without assuming that everyone else has a kuk view david?
8 Dec 2011, 19:58 pm
@Dawn-74: You called me a dronkie… I read it with my own eyes… And then I thought I was banned for some or other reason so I couldn’t have right to reply…
(And yes, what a bender it was…)
8 Dec 2011, 20:02 pm
@David-68: i simply dont understand what you find so objectionable about this discussion david?
i have stated repeatedly that i think rugby would be better served by concentrating developement at schools level.
thats grassroots.
not a bunch of academies totalling 120 hand picked kids.
what is your view on my view?
8 Dec 2011, 20:09 pm
@rangerman-75:
Because this is a step in the right direction, if it works. As Hoskens says, it’s not about producing Boks. Why all the cynicism about its aim? Access to institutions like Grey, Paarl Gymn etc isn’t an option for most of the youngsters in the EP area. Most of them probably couldn’t even qualify for Dale. This initiative is targeted at the areas that fall under the Kings franchise and also the old SARU area that was the home of black rugby in SA.
8 Dec 2011, 20:10 pm
@rangerman-62: @Heavens Game-64:
Unfortunately I don’t have much time to chat tonight guys, but a couple of points from my side.
Firstly, transformation is very necessary in South Africa. Specialised academies and programs are required to address a divide created by prior political systems which still very much exists today.
BUT
Transformation like any project needs to be formulated – there needs to be a plan, sustainable and including short term and long term objectives and goals. It needs to have mechanisms in place in order to measure these goals.
We must never, EVER forget that those players we want to assist want to be seen and regarded as RUGBY players first! That means don’t treat them differently, just give them the same tools to develop that your more traditional, (more white) and established schools will have in place wrt to specialised training, conditioning and diet. Including, very importantly, life skills.
I am sceptical of SA Rugby’s motives for a simple reason – NEVER have they addressed transformation to actually transform, it has been lip-service every single time. It is patronising and embarrassing to those you actually try to assist.
I find the current project (which has not been secured in any way or form) just a bit too convenient knowing that they will not include the Kings in the 2013 Super Rugby competition (as promised).
Yet again, transformation will be used as a bargaining chip and it pisses me off.
8 Dec 2011, 20:20 pm
@David-78:
David it is clear given the facts especially the one that this ‘project’ has not yet secured funding (of which SA Rugby can pay out of their own coffers if they were serious about this) that it was a rushed, marketing ploy, by administrators to yet again cover their own asses given commitments they made to government (about developing rugby in the EC and giving the Kings a franchise) on which they know they will not be able to deliver on.
You are positive about this project given a press release. I am sorry, I am long beyond getting excited about press releases (with no clear plan, facts or deliverables) by SA Rugby when it comes to this subject and this region.
I (and many on here) have good reason to question SA Rugby’s motives, given what they have delivered (mostly not delivered) in the past.
Exactly what have we got to get excited about here?
All of this is in the air, nice publicity/marketing BS (as far as I am concerned) especially given the fact that ZERO funding has been secured for this. Let alone indications of a clear framework or actual plan of how they hope to go about making this a reality and which individuals they will look to get involved to drive this.
I am sorry, I have fought, hoped, and been disappointed way too many times when it comes to rugby development in the Eastern Cape over the last 7 years to believe this BS is any different from the **** I have been sold 7 years ago.
8 Dec 2011, 20:20 pm
Sorry guys, must be off, I might check in later again to catch up.
8 Dec 2011, 20:26 pm
Lotto money indeed. Fat chance they got of getting that.
8 Dec 2011, 20:27 pm
@PissAnt-79: @PissAnt-80: This is pretty much along my line of questioning:
- A matter of convenience…
- A “hot air” initiative…
- Unfunded…
- Not sustainable…
8 Dec 2011, 20:43 pm
@Dawn-82: if they appoint rian oberholzer & songezo nayo’s acceleratesports as consultants they can get R50 mill from the lotto fund
8 Dec 2011, 20:59 pm
TrAns are you really gonna drink with Tac?
8 Dec 2011, 21:01 pm
@Dawn-85: yes, why?
8 Dec 2011, 21:41 pm
Please update me.
I wanna know everythin!
8 Dec 2011, 22:00 pm
@PissAnt-79: @PissAnt-80: @David-78: thanks guys, constructive debate, thats what i am looking for.
David, Dale is almost all black these days isnt it? well from the little i have seen on tv the 1st team is anyway so it looks like at this school at least, there is a “level playing field”.
anyways, i was never and will never be against anything that enhances rugby and allows more south africans to share in the joy of this beautiful game and the opportunities it offers but i just dont see how cherry picking 120 black kids and splashing 35 bar on them really makes a meaningful conftribution to “transformation”, sorry.
@PissAnt-79: PA, you say it better than i do but the motives, timing and even goals and objectives of this purported “transformation initiative” are suspect as a puff adder.
if they were serious about this issue we would have seen concerted efforts to invest at schools level in disadvantaged areas a long time ago.
9 Dec 2011, 01:53 am
It’s difficult to get excited for any program for kids that’s racially exclusive… a harp back to darker days!
Imagine the value this initiative would have if it was for ALL 120 school-kids in each of these areas… not just the racially exclusive colour-of-skin test… finally there would be a great link between schools to adult levels!
And are these 120 select few going to be guaranteed places in VC, CC and S15 teams?
Will we see young Brian Habana’s driving in their Benz’s to training?
Why none in KZN or is that called the Sharks Academy…
Nope extremely difficult to be overly positive about any program that excludes kids due to their skin colour…
9 Dec 2011, 01:55 am
@Dawn-87:
Did your infatuation start the day you found out he was under 25? You cougars
9 Dec 2011, 06:22 am
Does this include only Blacks, or are Coloureds and Indian kids also benefiting from this.. or are they too white? I fail to see how this initiative targets disadvantaged if it’s based purely on colour. Screw the previously disadvantaged, it should take the currently disadvantaged and help those kids. Take those kids with talent from poor homes with parents living on benefits and **** and give them a helping hand to make the most of themselves. Sending the mayors son to an academy is not going to stop him from dropping rugby in future to go into politics. Why is transformation, why is it not a society upliftment program? I see apartheid is alive and well in old SA.
9 Dec 2011, 07:11 am
@garth-91: ho hum…the mayor’s kid already goes to grey high or graeme college. he doesn’t need to go to this academy to access facilities he would otherwise NEVER be in contact with.
this knee-jerk reaction of “reverse apartheid” is puerile in the extreme.
it seems like if saru were to put up one of these academies in the middle of soweto some here would still b_itch about why it is not in sandton where everyone can access it.
9 Dec 2011, 07:34 am
So to keep everyone happy, the system needs to work like this:
120 payers apportioned in line with the country demographic:
60% black
22% Indian
10% white
8% coloured
I am sure there are a few races that I have missed, in which case SARFU, feel free to add them. But the coaching staff have to be the best people for the job, irrespective of demographic.
I would buy into this.
What I fear will happen is the following:
1) SARFU will not use R35 bar to support the project, they will use about R20 bar.
2) R5bar for new SARFU staff to run the project
3) Another R5bar for their costs to company (flights, their ongoing education, freebies etc)
4) R5bar for SARFU board to get new company cars
Any bets that some lavish bonuses or tangible goods will be thrown around the board members the minute they win this R35 million grant?
9 Dec 2011, 07:40 am
@Tuna-46:
well, the sabc can’t even pay their electricity bills let alone the broadcast fees for some of bafana’s games at the moment (which basically means the game does not get screened) so would certainly not have any money for buying cc rugby rights.
it would mean saru giving it away for free but i’m pretty sure it probably rests with supersport anyway, as saru must have sold it in some sort of bulk package. so the question is would supersport give it away to the sabc for free?… i think not.
9 Dec 2011, 07:44 am
@BULLET-93:
22% indian? that cant be right?
9 Dec 2011, 08:02 am
@BULLET-93: haha, 22% indian?
ja maybe in durbs but indians make up 2-3% of our population.
anyways, i thought along those lines too but remember that white players already are in the overwhelming majority with couloureds a close second so obviously to make things “better” these two groups should be wholly excluded from any such program.
wikibull sh it has this to say about demographics:
blacks 79.4%
whites 9.2%
cullarts 8.8%
indian 2.6%
does that even add up? who cares, i never ever trust wiki anyway.
9 Dec 2011, 08:05 am
anyways, like i said earlier on the thread, i am really just being a cynic and will be overjoyed if such a program starts pumping out rugby talent and rugby disciples into our communities.
seriously.
so enough of my horseshite on this thread, have a good day all and LETS GO BLITZBOKKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
transie, you and tac and rosso have a fat jol bud, i am jaloers!
9 Dec 2011, 08:05 am
The window dressing seems to be in time for Christmas shoppers
9 Dec 2011, 08:07 am
Find out why these transformed blokes do not go to rugby training at club and provincial level?
9 Dec 2011, 08:13 am
Finally! Great initiative and good to see some emphasis on grass roots transformation for once. I don’t like the fact that the entire thing is dependant on funding from the Lotto though. If it’s dependant on R35m from the Lotto and the Department of Sports and Recreation chip in as well then what kind of figure are we talking about here? I can’t believe that they can’t trim some fat off that figure and make the entire initiative a bit more feasible.
They’d be better off trimming the whole thing down a bit and introducing more of them across the country.
9 Dec 2011, 08:23 am
20 years on and SA still talking transformation,35 million lottery money could be spend on education for longer term results
9 Dec 2011, 08:26 am
is real transformation, let all the doomsayers keep quiet as transformation is finally in motion and the need to transform is going nowhere in South Africa.
Take Spies and Smit, despite all the access to best training and coaching from young level, both are just a pathetic and skill-less in their positions, only good on my PS3 but he still makes the Bok team, if both were black, whites on this blog would be wearing black ribbons and slamming their selection at all cylinders as a quota. Being white saved Smit and Spies. We don’t want that and don’t tell me Smit is the greatest captain, surely he is not in the league of McCaw or O’Driscoll who won matches for their countries. Smit has never won a match for SA
9 Dec 2011, 08:32 am
JL1 – whites delay transformation so they r just prolonging the process. If no Transformation takes place in 50 years, its not going away, it will lead to regulating it like its done with BEE.
Good times r coming as in the next year or two, Fronting by white companies using black gardeners as shareholders or directors to win tenders will be criminal offence and white people will go to jail for doing it.
9 Dec 2011, 08:36 am
@Sir Watson-102: blahblahblah….get a life
9 Dec 2011, 08:37 am
@BULLET-93:
The chinese man.
The chinese.
9 Dec 2011, 08:43 am
I think this is a very good and long overdue initiative…
I would’ve thought more people on keo would welcome and support such an enterprise… How long have have so many said transformation does not start at Bok level… it should start at grass roots and work it’s way up so that when it comes time to select the Boks all the players in contention are there on merit and the team can be selected purely on the basis of who is best…
Of course the road to transformational Bok glory is paved with the best intentions so we have to see whether SARU and Fikile (who I’m liking more and more) can actually get this project off the ground and running successfully…
Oh… someone mentioned earlier on in the thread that it would be meaningless (or words to that effect) with only 120 kids…
but the thing to remember is that this will not only affect 120 children… if the best children with the most potential are picked from their regions then these academies will affect and incentivise thousands of children as they compete for places in the various academies… so… far from being meaningless it could actually result in a higher standard being attained as the kids really put in the time and effort to make the grade…
anyway… i wish them all the best… and hope that they get ex boks involved in coaching clinics on a regular basis…
9 Dec 2011, 08:44 am
I’m always up for an initiative that addresses talent identification and development.
Consider the following however:
The Eastern cape has long being “touted” as a hotbed of young black talent.
The Eastern cape is the most economically impoverished major metropole in SA.
The government structures are in a mess.
The Municipalities are amongst some of the worst run in the country,
The school system is paying for “ghost’ teachers in the millions.
Much of this is funding that could go in to providing for better school facilities (not just sport).
Many, if not most of the young school leavers have to leave the area to seek jobs elsewhere.
Why is it no surprise that they don’t keep playing rugby? I mean there are other priorities, aren’t there for those guys?
The point I’m making is that putting money into something which operates within this broader problem is massively inefficient. I can see wastage on a very big scale coming here.
I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt and hope it does some good.
9 Dec 2011, 08:45 am
@stormersboy-107: To expand on what i said above, i know that this is not just about the Eastern Cape, it’s a national initiative, but others here were referring to the Eastern Cape.
9 Dec 2011, 08:47 am
This is going to be a short day for me. Customary pub lunch followed by the cricket final at Newlands.
Go Cobras!
9 Dec 2011, 08:49 am
@stormersboy-107:
Don’t come here with your imperialist counter-revolutionary anti-african agenda.
We will take that rubbish in your pants and make a tobacco pouch for our beloved president.
9 Dec 2011, 08:54 am
@stormersboy-109:
hey bud…
perfect day in cape town for a pub lunch and cricket at newlands… enjoy!!
9 Dec 2011, 08:54 am
Hi All,
Thanks for helping with the demographics. I was unsure. Anyway, a few of you have pointed out, we need to account for Chinese as well, and I suppose the native Zimbo’s, but since we have Beast & if necessary, Mujati, were probably covered.
This is the joke that is SA rugby
Politics will always ruin a good or a bad intention as the country is too politically sensitive & corrupt. Every vote has their own agenda. Its sad really
Imaging a R35m boost in NZ? I doubt that the administrators will be whinging about how may native maori’s versus new zealanders are in the make up of the development programme. I also doubt that the influx of cash would be spent on anything other than rugby.
9 Dec 2011, 08:59 am
so R30mil wil go to the “administrators”, R4mil for hotel, caviar and Johnny Blue, and the rest might actually be utilised for the academies
9 Dec 2011, 09:00 am
@BULLET-112:
Indeed.
I don’t see the Cape Spanish on your list either buddy.
If you don’t pull your socks up we are going to have to send you to keo’s political school.
9 Dec 2011, 09:04 am
Jacobs snubs Stormers
2011-12-09 07:31
Cape Town – Springbok centre Adrian Jacobs looks unlikely to play for the Stormers in next year’s Super Rugby tournament.
Jacobs earlier expressed an interest to join the Cape side after his contract at the Sharks was not renewed. The Stormers coach then invited Jacobs to train with the Cape franchise to try and convince them to give him a contract.
However, Coetzee told Die Burger newspaper that Jacobs did not react to his invitation to train with them, which is the reason for his omission.
The squad will be reduced by between 10 and 15 players in January before they embark on a training camp to Hermanus.
9 Dec 2011, 09:13 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther-110:
9 Dec 2011, 09:20 am
Want to see an outstanding try? Check this:
http://www.rugbydump.com/2011/12/2271/biarritz-score-a-sensational-team-try-against-montpellier#allcomments
9 Dec 2011, 09:21 am
@Treehugger-116: Why are you laughing missy? I thought you were a vegetarian?
9 Dec 2011, 09:23 am
@Upho-115:
oh that fine line a coach/dor dances between success and failure….it is the touchline of rugby life..is he in?… or is he out?.. and acsie (allister coetzee – rassie) more than most know how to dance that line.
9 Dec 2011, 09:25 am
@stormersboy-118:
she is.
except for pork.
9 Dec 2011, 09:27 am
so the lions are going broke…brokeback broke… by the looks of it..?…
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Lions-not-going-under-20111208
9 Dec 2011, 09:32 am
@stormersboy-118: was very funny, unpleasant for you though
9 Dec 2011, 09:33 am
@>^..^< katman-117: Just watched it. Fantastic!
9 Dec 2011, 09:36 am
@Upho-111: it promised to be!
Here’s hoping for a Cobras win!
9 Dec 2011, 09:37 am
@stormersboy-123: The article just above it on the RD homepage is about a charity fundraiser NH vs SH game, with some current, some unknown and some old names (e.g. Joe Roff). Watch the highlights of that – brilliant game.
9 Dec 2011, 09:55 am
@au revoir mon tout noirs, au revoir…-119:
apparently acsie don’t know how to dance along that fine line as well as you think… seems they’re always on the wrong side of it… and losing players and/or signing palookas…
@stormersboy-124:
the cobras should do it…
this is our year…!!
9 Dec 2011, 10:02 am
@Upho-126: Maybe we’ll win a trophy this year after all.
Must say, with the proteas playing, the Cobras team looks like a hard one to beat!
9 Dec 2011, 10:14 am
@stormersboy-127:
for sure…
dale steyn looking good in a wp uniform…!!
let’s hope his rugby namesake does the same…!!
9 Dec 2011, 10:15 am
@>^..^< katman-125: I just downloaded that clip. Great highlights!
Who is that Ras chappie?
“A corporal in the SA Army..” ?
Do you know who he plays for?
Nice to see guys like AJ still up for a run around.
Sias Ebersohn should come to the Cape. Honestly, with Goosen looking to have the inside track on the Cheetahs 10 jersey he may be looking to move.
I personally think he could make our 10 jersey his own.
He’s got that something extra that none of our guys have shown IMO.
9 Dec 2011, 10:16 am
@Upho-128: Hahaha when you put it like that it almost seems like destiny….!
Dare we hope??
9 Dec 2011, 10:31 am
@stormersboy-130:
hehehe…
dare we hope…??
hope, it seems, is all we ever do…!!
9 Dec 2011, 10:36 am
@Upho-131: Dale Steyn is a class act.
Of all the Bowlers in history (not just SA) to have taken 200 test wickets or more, Dale has the highest strike rate per balls bowled,
In my book that’s something amazing.
If you break it down to the pure role of a bowler, which is to take wickets, that puts him up there with the greatest,
Yes he hasn’t played as many matches as others, but still.
9 Dec 2011, 10:43 am
This announcement is simply SARU flying a kite.
The funding is not confirmed yet and how convenient. Because when it is confirmed in the fits quarter of next year, hopefully – 4 Unions and SA Rugby will have to share in the establishment and set up which will take another 3-6 months and then lo and behold we are at this time of the year next year in 2012 talking about the admission or non admission of the EC to Super Rugby.
If SA Rugby have promised the EC Super Rugby in 2013 these issues need to be checked off like now in January 2012 – prior to the start of the 2012 Super 15 tournament in February 2012 – to determine what the criteria are for the South African team from the 5th Super Rugby franchise to sit out.
There is no time for that just more Yada Yada Yada and then that moment is gone.
The issue on the 27th January 2012 will be the Springbok Coach – not EC Super Rugby’s needs and plans.
So what this means then that this is a supposed wonderful SA Rugby effort of spin doctoring, to purport to correct the imbalances in rugby, when this is nothing more than shifting the focus to government to put money behind the EC as these wheels turn slowly.
SA Rugby on the other hand have not filled the vacuum and void of Super Rugby for the 3 EC unions and an Academy does not attract sponsors, just goodwill and sponsored product. Make no mistake this is grunt work and a dummy pass of note as a huge diversionary tactic away from Super Rugby.
The only discussion here should be is when and how does the EC and its 3 Unions get Super Rugby experience for admission in 2016, not 2013.
9 Dec 2011, 10:54 am
@stormersboy-132:
yeah SB… true…
he is really a great player… possibly legend in the making…
has been the number one ranked bowler for so long now too… and one of the few (if not only bowler) to score above 900 points in the rankings system…
great player…
great to have him in cape colours…!!
9 Dec 2011, 14:17 pm
IF this works, it would be awesome.
There are several academies already in place, but in theory this will at least develop 120 kids a year. Having the additional tertiary training is also a bonus, as maybe 5 or 6 kids a year will make it in professional rugby.
The issue is always going to be the transparency and management of these academies. The difference with a lot of the current ones, is that the boys’ families have to chuck in a fat wad of cash for the opportunity, and therefore watch it like a hawk. Who is going to keep an eye on this?
9 Dec 2011, 16:34 pm
I can see plenty of ‘redirecting funds’ are waiting to happened
9 Dec 2011, 21:58 pm
@Transformation-92: Thanks for making my point.
10 Dec 2011, 04:43 am
It’s ridiculous and it’s racist. This isn’t “levelling the playing field”– it’s tilting it 45 degrees against the newly-disadvantaged. And the quotas will still remain quotas, even though they’ll play downhill.
10 Dec 2011, 05:28 am
17 March 1992 was a long time ago. The kids in question were not even born when apartheid was ended and so should be treated equally. Basing the academies on poverty levels would make so much more sense.
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