Coaching more than just rugby skills

Aside from honing the Ballito Dolphins players’ on-field skills, coach Craig Dawson also hopes to shape good men.

Originally from Pretoria, Dawson played semi-pro rugby as a prop in both the United Kingdom and Australia.

He discovered a love for coaching upon finishing his playing career, and has continued to do so on-and-off until today.

He has been the head coach and director of rugby with the Ballito Dolphins for the past 5 years.

“For me, my coaching is about the players. You can always teach a guy to catch a ball, but it’s also about incorporating life skills into the coaching system,” said Dawson.

This was patently clear when the Courier met with the team, who were joking and in good spirits before playing the final game of their season.

Regardless of the way results have fallen for the team, the chemistry between the players and coaching staff is obviously well developed.

Although the Dolphins have a good catchment area of top players, the club struggles to attract the bigger names with the limited facilities it has.

“We play at Maidstone, which is alright, but it would make a huge difference if we have municipal grounds of our own. To train at night, when most of the players can make it, we often have to park cars in a ring around the field with the headlights on to see what we are doing.

“I just think we could really take big strides forward with a bit of support.”

The Dolphins’ season has drawn to a close, with trials and training likely to begin in April next year.

Despite the lack of facilities, Dawson still thinks the club’s future is bright. The squad is on a mission to gain promotion to the first division next year.

“We are now getting enough guys to have a full trial every year. That makes selection much easier and the competition much stronger. With a good mix of veterans who have played for years and the young guys coming through, I think things are on the up.”

The club is also increasing efforts to host clinics in underprivileged areas.

This was how one of the brightest talents in recent memory, Mhleli ‘Giraffe’ Dlamini was discovered. He now plays for the Bulls.

Dawson’s vision for the club is to become increasingly competitive, while drawing huge fan support from across the North Coast once spectators are allowed back in the stands.

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