VEREENIGING.- Daniel Kazadi (13) is an upcoming rugby sensation, with big dreams, that is.
Sedibeng Ster Sport visited this down-to-earth youngster at his school, Selborne Primary School to find out how he feels after being selected to play for the Gauteng Province Rugby Team known as ‘Valke’.
His coach, Alex Cronje introduced Sedibeng Ster Sport to this well-built youngster who looks more mature than his age.
“This is Daniel, our school rugby star,” said Cronje, as he pointed at the young Kazadi who is the same height as his coach.
At the age of 13, it seems as if the world is under his feet if his current performance is anything to go by. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Cronje said Kazadi was selected after he had done exceptionally well at the trials. Cronje told Sedibeng Ster Sport that the trials were divided into four stages with the final trials taking place at DP de Villiers Stadium recently.
Cronje recruited Kazadi to play rugby after there was something he saw in him (potential) last year.
“I could tell, looking at him, that Daniel was destined for great things in rugby and I asked him to join the school rugby team, and as they say the rest is history. He is one of the best players who play for the team and his teammates. I’m happy for him to be selected for Valke and I do not doubt that he is going to make all of us proud. He does what is expected from him in the field, and he is one player who is eager to learn. He is a fast learner, to say the least. He is very quick, but there are a few basics that he needs to improve about his game, like positioning,” said Cronje.
Kazadi told Sedibeng Ster Sport that he wouldn’t be where he is if it wasn’t for his coaches, Cronje and Refentse Hlapane.
“I want to thank my coaches for believing in my potential, and they always push me hard at training. I’m going to make them proud because of the hard work they put, in not only me, but the rest of the team,” said Kazadi.
Kazadi’s dream is to play for Springboks and represent his country at the highest level, like the Rugby World Cup. Asked who is his inspiration, he looked around, and with a smile, he said, Kolbe Cheslin Kolbe.
