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
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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.
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