Rugby legend visits local rugby club

Rugby legend Johan Ackermann surprised many of the EcoRubber Roodepoort Rugby Club members at their club night on Tuesday, May 31.

The event was held at Eat@43 in Krugersdorp North. This was a great opportunity for the rugby players to come together and prepare for their upcoming games. The club was proud to have Johan Ackermann, a South African professional rugby legend as a guest speaker.

Johan is back in South Africa on holiday. He discussed his job in Japan and how adapting to the different environment had been an obstacle in his mission to help young rugby players in Japan reach their full potential.

“One thing that I’ve noticed is the impact of the language gap on myself and my players. I believe in forming a kinship with the players I coach,” explained Johan. He said while rugby enthusiasts in South Africa are very vocal when their team loses a match, in Japan the spectators are very respectful to both teams – clapping for the winning and losing teams.

“Club rugby has a very special place in my heart. It is where I started, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me,” continued Johan. “My advice to every club rugby player is that they should always remember that wherever you are, you have the opportunity to make a change. People often forget that they are leaving a mark on the world. I hope to one day be remembered as a kind-hearted and respectful person.”

After Johan’s speech, Morné Petzer from Motus Toyota Strijdom Park handed the keys to a sponsored Toyota Starlet to the new player of the month, Morné Piater, who was genuinely surprised. He said he felt honoured to receive the accolade from his coach, Neill Kalify.

The rest of the night was spent chatting to fellow club members and gearing up for the weekend ahead. The club would like to thank Johan and their sponsors for making the night possible.