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.

OS DU RANDT WATCHES SON PERFORM AT THE COCA-COLA U13 CRAVEN WEEK

 The 40^th Coca-Cola Under 13 Craven Week kicked off today at the Afrikaanse Hoer Skool (Affies)  with 18 teams competing.  The first day’s fixtures were decided by the Organisers but from tonight the managers and organisers will meet to fixture games for Day 2.  The same format will continue throughout the week.  The winning team of each game today will go into the A Section and teams 10 to 18 will play in the B section.

Free State and Limpopo started their campaign on a high both knocking up wins with a large margin of victory.  Free State beat  Namibia 27 – 0 with 4 tries scored.  Three of the tries were scored by Tian Du Randt, son of ex Springbok  Os Du Randt, who was in the stands watching his son made his debut in development rugby.  This superb performance earned the youngster the Powerade Chosen One of the Match.

Limpopo notched up a greater win beating South West Districts 28 – 0.  The Powerade Chosen One of the Match scored one try, converting one and went on to kick 2 penalties.

Of the 40 years of its existence, Coca-Cola has been part of the week for the past 26, a statistic the company is proud of.  “Coca-Cola sponsors tournaments at the highest level and we are fully aware that no country can be successful without a strong development programme in place and Coca-Cola has played a major role in finding Springboks.  More than 90 percent of the current squad have competed in one of the Coca-Cola Youth Weeks,” said Zayd Abrahams,  Head of Sparkling Beverages, Coca-Cola South Africa.

The first Under 13 Craven Week took place in Potchefstroom on 3 July back in 1972.  Forgetting to book referees was one of the teething problems the local organising committee had to contend with.  But this is history and the tournament is now the tournament any young rugby player strives to compete in.

Morning Results:

Eastern Province 12 v Griffons 5

Free State 27 v Namibia 0

Border 17 v Pumas 12

Valke 9 v Border CD 12

Limpopo 28 v SWD 0

Griquas 10 v Zimbabwe 17

Afternoon Schedule:

Lions vs KZN

Western Province vs Leopards

Blue Bulls vs Boland