I miss playing rugby – BurgerExactly a year and months of not executing his favourite tackles, Namibia’s rugby legend Jacques Burger still cannot come to terms with not being on the field to play the game that is close to his heart. Legend to look into developing the game Burger announced his retirement from rugby last year and has now devoted his life to farming. Namibian Sun caught up with Burger who took no time to express how he misses playing his favourite sport.
“I miss playing rugby so much as it was a massive part of my life. Considering that I have played professional rugby for 10 to 12 years, so it is tough when I stop what I really love and passionate about,” he said.
He mentioned that at the moment, he is still settling in, “so I am finding my feet at home as I bought a farm and as soon as I am fully settled, I will start with plans for Namibian rugby.
“My view has always been to come back and invest in this great country so I have come back and have done that and as soon as I find my feet I would like to get involved in rugby again.
Expanding on his future plans Burger said: “I would like to coach, I would like to do some stuff here with rugby and do some charity work here and hopefully we can do some great things.”
Being one of Namibia’s best products in rugby, Burger believes that the potential in the country is enormous. “If we can get professional people to come back and invest in those potential youngsters, then we can do some great things. So, at the moment it is a massive decision as I get to adapt to real life but I will be involved in rugby again.”
Burger spoke about his plans and how he would like to invest in rugby adding that he will roll out plans next year.
“I am doing a lot of planning on what I will be doing next year and how we can take Namibian rugby to greater heights, and I am not just talking about the national team but where it starts with the youngsters. That is where the game starts with development and also in less fortunate areas.
“If we can do some good stuff in areas were the game is not well known throughout Namibia and I am talking about northern Namibia and the deep south. There is a lot of less fortunate kids that do not get the opportunity to play rugby and get opportunities to get involved with the rugby clinic and that is something that we would like to change and get as many youngsters involved as possible,” he said.
He further indicated that his focus is more on development, stating that: “I think it will be selfish of me not to give back while the game has taught me a lot of things and have travelled the world and have been under a lot of great coaches and have a lot of experience. So, I think if I can bring that and plough it back in Namibia, it will be great.”
Burger disclosed that he has a partner with whom he will execute the project.
“I have got a partner so, hopefully we can get some sponsors on board and do some proper thing to really put rugby on the map in Namibia because I think there are a lot of Namibians who want to get involved in the game and have a professional coach to show them what professionals do and how do they can get there. I just want to make a difference in people’s lives,” he said.
KAINO NGHITONGO