Players of Colour making their mark at the U-16 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week
Ralton October of Lions during the match between WP and Lions
Along with the hype and talent identification that is part of Coca-Cola Rugby Youth Weeks at this time of the year, is a concerted effort to transform the game.
This is done via a target system which calls for each provincial squad to include a predetermined number of players of colour in their ranks and to have a set number of them on the field at all times.
In the past this has been open to adjustments where provinces can justify choosing fewer players for specific reasons. And that has happened from time to time.
However, the evidence on the field at the 2012 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week, taking place at the University of Johannesburg this week, is that there is a wealth of talent among players of colour in this country.
Provinces like SWD, Border and Western Province, where rugby culture is entrenched in all communities, and has been for many years now, has shown the players have been selected purely on merit. It’s also becoming more common in the Northern Unions where the leading rugby schools are attracting top talent and developing it.
One such player is Pumas prop, Cauwen Mashaba, who is at Hoërskool Hoogenhout in Balfour, and who inspired his side to come back from being 23-10 down against Boland with minutes to go, to claw their way back to a 22-23 loss at the end.
Others who have been very impressive include Ralton October at the Golden Lions, who goes to Hoërskool Florida, Herchel Jantjies and Veranzo Pipers of Paul Roos Gimnasium and Western Province, and Free State’s Llewellyn Hein, who is at HTS Louis Botha.
These players will, no doubt, be included in SA Rugby’s high performance squad that is being chosen at the week, and at the under-18 Coca-Cola Craven Week in two year’s time.
The challenge will be to see that they develop appropriately and that will make it through to the professional ranks in the years to come.
Coca-Cola South Africa is pleased with the way the tournament has panned out this year. “Coca-Cola South Africa is proud to be the brand where future stars start their quest in tackling the future,” said Craig van Niekerk, Coca-Cola South Africa, Marketing Assets Manager. “Our Coca-Cola Grant Khomo is aimed at encouraging young rugby players to utilize this platform to improve skills as well as live an active and healthy lifestyle which is in line with our Live For A Difference strategy.”
Ends
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world’s most valuable brand, our Company’s portfolio features 15 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system employees. For more information, please www.thecoca-colacompany.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo.
Related Posts
« Bishops College XV Dream Team 2012 WP tops at 2012 Coca-Cola u16 Grant Khomo Week »
