• Rugby

For the love of rugby

• 1 Day Ago 20 November 2024

Players who sign up for a free rugby training camp can look forward to loads of fun and intensive sessions at the Mariental Rugby Stadium on 8 and 9 January.

The camp promotes physical fitness and mental toughness, giving players tools they can use in rugby and beyond, while also helping them connect with peers and feel part of a supportive community.

Participants will build foundational skills, confidence, and discipline while learning the importance of teamwork and resilience.

Forty players have so far registered online for the camp aimed at boys aged 16 and older, with Helarius Kisting and Unomasa Kavita driving the process.

According to Kavita, the idea for the camp was born from the life-changing benefits rugby and sports have had for both him and Kisting.

“We both have experienced first-hand how sports can instill purpose, discipline, and drive, and want to share those benefits with the next generation. By bringing this camp to Mariental, we hope to give back to our hometown and create opportunities for young players to experience the transformative power of sport,” he explained.

In their mission to help athletes develop their rugby and life skills, Kavita and Kisting will be joined by AJ de Klerk, a former prop who represented Namibia at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups; Menethe Nawas, a nutritionist at the Lions in South Africa, and Johan du Plessis, one of Namibia’s upcoming referees.

“Our primary goal is to empower Mariental’s youth by making rugby accessible and nurturing their potential. We strive to foster a love for the sport, instil confidence and resilience, and identify young talent who may pursue rugby at higher levels. The camp also seeks to strengthen community bonds by bringing people together around the positive impact of sports,” Kavita emphasised.



Adequately equipped

Kisting plays as a scrum-half or fly-half and is a professional player from Mariental who represented Namibia in two Rugby World Cups (2019 and 2023) and is known for his dedication, tenacity, versatility and creative abilities on the field.

He made his test debut for Namibia in 2017 against Tunisia and is currently based in Romania, where he plays professionally and manages the Kisting Academy. He signed for CSM ?tiin?a Baia Mare in 2019 and they won the Liga Na?ionala de Rugby in 2020 and 2021. He moved to Dinamo Bucure?ti in 2022.

Through his academy, Kisting organised several rugby camps designed to train and inspire young players in Romania. The camp in Mariental marks his first in his hometown and he is excited to bring his international experience back to his roots to create new opportunities for the youth of his community.

Kavita represented Namibia in multiple sports, including the U20 national rugby team, and is the founder of Kavita Sports Performance based in Mariental. He is deeply committed to supporting youth athletics and through his sports performance facility, provides free access to junior athletes across a variety of sports disciplines. “I am aware that many young athletes lack proper facilities and opportunities.”

In collaboration with Mariental municipality and Privaatskool Elnatan, Kavita also plays an active role in identifying and nurturing emerging talent from Mariental and its surrounding areas.



Itinerary

Training sessions on the first day will focus be on foundational rugby skills, including ball handling, passing, tackling, and defensive techniques. Kavita and Kisting will guide players through essential rugby drills, covering rucking and breakdown techniques and introducing them to various kicking styles.

On the second day, participants will delve into advanced skills and game play tactics, with a focus on scrums, line-outs, and strategic decision-making. They also will participate in more game-based drills, allowing them to apply and hone the skills they’ve learned.

The day will conclude with rugby-specific fitness, recovery and mental toughness sessions to prepare athletes for the demands of the sport.