Os du Randt's son Thian plays in the U16 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week

The under-16 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week, currently underway at the Tshwane University of Technology,  got off to a great start for Free State flank, Thian Du Randt, a pupil of Bloemfontein’s Grey College.

A highlight of the day yesterday was Free State’s surprisingly comfortable 48-12 win over Eastern Province for which Thian received the Powerade Power Through Player of the Match award. 

According to Thian, Free State did not start well in Monday’s game against Eastern Province but they played far better in the second half and he hopes that for the rest of the week he will continue to play that way.

Thian played in the Coca-Cola under-13 Craven Week three years ago, before moving on to Grey, a move he says has changed his life. “It is because of Grey that I have achieved what I have so far,” he said. “It is turning me into the man I am today. I love school and I am doing well both on and off the playing field.”

Thian’s early success on the rugby field has come as no surprise to his father, double World Cup winner and assistant coach of the Cheetahs Super Rugby team, Os Du Randt.

He was 9 years old when his father gave up playing rugby, and as such doesn’t remember much of the Springbok legend’s career. He would however like to carry on where his father left off and keep the family name alive in the world of rugby. “I would love to become a professional rugby player and follow in the footsteps of my dad,” he said.

Thian does however understand the importance of finding a balance between sport and education and credits his mother with keeping him grounded. “She constantly reminds me that education is as important as rugby and I will need a qualification when my playing days are over,” he said. He is determined to do a BCom accounting degree when he finishes school.

Thian is enjoying the under-16 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week.  “Firstly there are 11 Grey players in the team so it is like playing for the school, but the others, who are mostly from HTS Louis Botha, are also fantastic people and there is a great spirit in the team,” he said.