ON May 21, I took my son to their school’s rugby day at Brug Street in Paarl.
We were treated to outstanding primary schools rugby. I mostly enjoyed the games played by the Klapmuts Primary boys who excelled.
The condition of the jerseys, the organisation of the teams, the way they prepared before the game and the amount of coaches for each team - one could see the difference.
But notable was the way the Klapmuts boys play rugby. They played with flair and passion. Despite a possible lack of skills training there was no lack of enthusiasm to do their school proud.
But this was just the beginning of my awakening. The past Saturday we were again at the same sports grounds and witnessed the u.14 to u.19 boys of Boys’ High beat their opponents from Cape Town with high scores. The highest score was 116-10.
Just before the u.19 game we were sitting on the stand be-tween the opponents’ scholars. While I tried to average the next score, in light of the u.19 Boys’ High’s reputation, a Tupperware container with white bread and jam went past me to boys sitting around us.
I noticed that there was a container per team and heard them say to each other to take only enough, for the other boys still need to eat when they come off the field. I was humbled. Despite their social condition, the visitors’ team spirit soared with the eagles.
They played like equals and defended their school’s pride with dignity.
They exhibited character which they do not even know they do possess.
The score meant nothing on that day. Judging from the scores, they could have stayed home and forfeited the points. What counted were their presence and their availability to stand their ground.
And I wonder what the score would have been like if both teams had the same quality coaching, facilities and stable social environment.
John Pheiffer
