MARIENTAL – Professional rugby player Helarius Kisting and Mariental-based rugby coach Unomasa Kavita hosted a two-day rugby training camp in Mariental.

The camp started on Wednesday, and was being hosted with the support of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU).

It was attended by 30 participants between the ages of 16 and 22.

Kavita, owner of Kavita Sports Performance, said they launched the initiative in November last year.

“We created an online registration portal for 40 participants between the ages of 16 and 22. We are currently training 30 young rugby players,” he said.

Kisting, who has also founded Kisting Academy, during an interview with Nampa said he wanted to bring his international expertise back to his hometown.

He said the overall goal of the camp is to provide a platform to help players in his community develop their skills.

“Unomasa and I were born and raised in Mariental, growing up as passionate rugby players. We both know and understand the challenges young players go through, such as lack of equipment and insufficient coaching – just to mention a few. Therefore, we are here to provide these opportunities to young talent,” Kisting said.

He added that the role of the NRU at the camp is to provide support through guidance and coaching.

The union is represented by NRU vice president Johan Diergaardt, head coach of the national team Chrysander Botha and assistant forward coach Hauta Veii.

The organisers are hoping to make the training camp an annual event. 

–Nampa