Sean Temple

Izimvo is honoured to introduce the founder and owner of African Boot Camp: Sean Temple.

African Boot Camp is styled as an alternative outdoor “African Lifestyle Fitness Philosophy”. This form of results based training is a fun but focused way of keeping fit and trim and is achieved using the landscape we have here in Africa – especially the beach!

Website: http://www.africanbootcamp.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/africanbootcamp
Location: Durban

Sean was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: First off, just want to say that this website and the ideals are brilliant! I congratulate you guys on doing something that is special to SA and its wellbeing.

Sean Temple, 38 going on 24, African Boot Camp founder and owner, Loves being well and making others feel great!

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: My favorite movie is “Shawshank Redemption” and my phobia is fear of climbing up into a roof of a house – What is that phobia called? Claustrophobia and/or Myctophobia.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Taking a small trip up to my house in Zinkwazi and taking it easy with my beautiful fiancé and dogs.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: I have been very fortunate in having been able to build that! It is in Zinkwazi and it’s the perfect getaway for me and my loved ones.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Health and Fitness in South Africa

Q: What was the impetus for starting African Bootcamp and can you tell us about the training programs and services on offer?

A: Basically it was a culmination of many things.

1. I had done so much training of different disciplines over my life that I was looking for a new way and means of keeping fit completely. I couldn’t find that extra regime that complimented my various training sessions. I believe that we don’t maximize some fundamental human dynamics when we train. Modern fitness, I believe, has been compromised and is defined by appearance rather than actual horsepower. We abandon the very foundations that actually make you perform at your best! Done properly we should be able to work our bodies really optimally using multiple cross functional training that tests ourselves to the best of our ability. This also refers to how we live our everyday lives – Lifting shopping from the boot of the car, walking up and down stairs or setting off after your child – if you are not optimally balanced, you can sustain injuries that are totally avoidable.

2. I love the beach and sea so much. Our coastline in this country is special! We as a nation just don’t utilize it like we should! I lived in Australia for 2 years and used to take part in their thriving Boot Camp classes in Sydney (each headland had a Boot Camp business). I got really fit from it but felt that it could be done better!

The training programs are based on an EDT (Escalating Density Training) program. This means that I do workouts over a period of time where I slowly but surely start increasing the load of the workouts yet don’t increase the time. The program includes work around relative strength, power-endurance, and endurance. With training on the beautiful beach and stunning weather, it is easier to get the mind in synch. Remember the mind is primary in all training and goal setting.

Q: African Bootcamp’s training sessions are held at local beaches. What, besides the amazing scenery, are some of the benefits of training on sand?

A: Training in sand, in small doses, is ideal and positive for many attributes in training

1. It is highly cardiovascular
2. Allows your body – mainly your feet, knees and hips to move to their natural range of motion
3. Sand is soft and offers less jarring on the body
4. Huge calorie burner
5. Guaranteed increases in power and strength
6. Allows both stabilizers and mobilisers to be utilized

Q: What are some of your core training philosophies?

A: Stop making excuses for your training. Be honest about your ability and scale your training to be the best that you can be. With the way medicine and health progresses, we will generally be living a long time! Train your body to live longer. Healthy body, healthy mind.

Q: What are some of the success stories of those who have signed up for your classes?

A: I have had huge success stories from the elite athlete to the best Dad’s and Mums that they can be!

I have had as much joy in the knowledge that I had a small part to play in examples like an SA bodybuilder place at the worlds, a top runner drop his PB 10km from 43 mins to 39 mins after 7 months of training, to having a lady lose 17kg and another 10kg. I have had a Dad lose 7% body fat yet keep his muscle tone. They all mean so much because of the work they have put in!

Q: With the current levels of childhood obesity, what advice would you offer parents regarding the health of their children?

A: I think that in this country we have such an abundance of healthy living options that parents really shouldn’t have any excuse not to instil healthy living as a fun and viable way of living. I am not saying you must run around and train, I mean eat well, get outdoors, walk and enjoy what South Africa has to offer.

Q: Do you have any health and fitness secrets?

A: I have tons and always glad to share! The one that I love is when you wake up first thing! Drink a large glass of water and eat an apple. You haven’t hydrated for over 8 hours and the apple is just a wonderful health secret from nature. The other is stretch!

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: I think that we have all had someone close to us be affected by crime. I have been, but I was also party to crime in New York and London. It hasn’t in anyway changed my perception of living in SA. We live an amazing life here and we have to understand that crime will affect us some way or another. I think that by being careful at all times does get quite onerous sometimes but it really is a small price to pay.

Q: What about life in South Africa did you miss the most while living abroad?

A: Family and the space! We have such a lot of open space in this country. Its vast and makes you feel how incredible this land is that we live in. I will never forget the times when you fly in to Johannesburg and then onto Durban, the sheer size of the country and its open spaces. I also find that this country has a special and distinct smell.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: 1. Surround yourself with brilliant people

2. Keep this country busy with hosting major sporting/financial/public events – it keeps us honest and also inspired to keep this country functional

3. Be like Madiba!

4. Less is more – Less “panels” of investigation for the sake of keeping the peace and adding time to an issue that sorely needs action, less talk, less publicity in the social sphere means MORE action, More decisions and more focus at the job at hand.

Q: Who do you consider as South Africa’s greatest health and fitness role model?

A: All those coaches and teachers and trainers that spend hours of their free time making it possible for the kids of our country to realize their full potential!

Life in Durban

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Durban?

A: The beach and the sea – What an extra ordinary coastline right on our doorstep. The fact that in 5 mins you can be surfing. I love the chilled out way of life here. I love the fact that there is a business hub though that works hard! I love that we can drive an hour anywhere and we have such a diverse landscape.

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Durban for a romantic night out?

A: Beira Alta

Q: First place you would take an international visitor?

A: To have a quick drink at the lighthouse bar in the Oyster Box, then to the beach for a quick surf/bodysurf and finish off with a meal at so many restaurants to choose from!

Q: Favorite destination for a long weekend getaway?

A: Zinkwazi!

General

Q: What does your personal training schedule look like?

A: I do gym for strength 3 x a week as well as do boxing and grappling training 2 x a week with one of the best trainers around www.deanzone.co.za, I do Kettle Bell training 2 x a week and I surf ski paddle 2 x a week.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: “Success, one day at a time” John C. Maxwell

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: In Zinkwazi overlooking the ocean with my whole family and loved ones there!

Q: If you could be any comic super hero, which would it be and why?

Q: Silver Surfer – first off cool way to get around! He made mistakes and rediscovers his nobility of spirit – Cool!

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: My Dad – I would ask questions that show the world what a brilliant man he is.

A massive thank you to Sean for taking the time to answer our questions and for sharing his inspirational voice. We’d like to wish him every success for the future and especially his upcoming wedding.

Reminder that you can now listen our interviews at http://izimvo.com/listen or subscribe to our Podcast feed http://bit.ly/bgC35E

Gary Gold

Izimvo has the distinct pleasure of introducing the Springbok assistant coach: Gary Gold.

Gary, one of the finest technical minds and strategists in the game, is renowned for his academic and precise approach to coaching. Before joining the Springboks as assistant coach in May 2009, Gary was the head coach of Western Province and London Irish.

Website: http://www.rugbyiq.com
Blog: http://coaching.blog.rugbyiq.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GaryGoldrugbyiq
Location: Cape Town

Gary was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Gary Gold, 40 something, current Springbok assistant coach. They might also mention that I was the former WP and London Irish Head coach. Friends have an amazing ability of keeping your feet firmly on the ground so there would be a lot said that you couldn’t print!  But if they were being generous I hope they would say that I have a real passion for what I do, and am lucky to be one of a small group of people whose job is also his passion. I have two other business interests with a rugby website rugbyiq.com and a sports video analysis software product called Sportscode that keep me on my toes.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I suppose a few things that people may not know is that I am an absolute gadget freak – a nerd in that way I suppose. I particularly love Apple products, and cant move without my Mac. Also with the website, I now write a blog every week and perhaps people who know me may be surprised to hear that. I love doing it because it keeps me abreast of current issues in the game, and it often then leads to me researching them and finding out some really interesting info about that week’s topic. A form of forced learning, I suppose you could call it.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Well obviously as I have 2 Kids, I enjoy spending time with them. They are Jamie 6 and Jemma 9. They’re becoming real little people now and I find it keeps a perspective in a life that can get quite tough at times. I am also a bit of a social guy and I really love spending time with close friends, either having a meal, a game of golf or just a great catch up – generally having fun and getting out and about in Cape Town. I really don’t read nearly as much as I should, but I do really enjoy reading and collecting autobiographies.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: I enjoy space, so I would like the house on a medium size plot. Then it would be great if we could have a great view, not necessarily sea views – we currently have gorgeous mountain views. Then I’d like the house to have the necessary rooms – plus a guest room for mates to come stay and then my pride and joy: a study where I could have all the video analysis equipment I need and also all my nutcase gadgets.

Seriously though, perhaps also a cool garden for the kids, and we have a pool at the moment which is used all day by them, and me if I’m home! If we were on the beach that would be a huge bonus – there’s nothing better than to spend a sunny day on the beach in South Africa.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Rugby in South Africa

Q: Can you describe the moment when you first heard that you had landed the coveted position of Springbok Assistant Coach?

A: Amazing really, it was something like 4 O’ Clock in the morning!! It was in 2008 and I was with the Stormers in New Zealand, Auckland to be precise. I was told I needed to have the interview for the job and so it was arranged with some studio in Auckland. I had to be there at 11.30 at night (about midday in SA) and we did the interview, via video conference, with the panel who were in the board room at SA Rugby offices in Cape Town.

The interview, I thought, was a mess. I could hardly see the faces of the guys asking me the questions and then they wanted to show video footage of specific issues in a game, to quiz me on. The clips were totally fuzzy and I could barely make out the teams playing let alone any specific details within the ruck etc.

The interview took about 2 hours and I caught a cab back to the hotel where I lay in bed mulling it all over. I thought a lot about the interview and decided that I hadn’t done myself any good and really wasn’t confident that the interview did me any justice. But I left my phone on, just in case. At 4am Prof. Jannie Ferreria rang and broke the news to me that I had got the job. It really was the first time in my life that I can honestly say my dream came true – and it was on such a huge scale! Needless to say I didn’t sleep a wink after that. I called home and and one other very close friend, to share the news. Then I quickly realized there was still a tour to deal with. I put it to the back of my mind until we returned and focused on the rest of our Super 14 campaign.

Q: Congratulations on a very successful 2009 season. What are some of your favorite moments from the season and which tests are you most looking forward to in 2010?

A: Thank you, it was a truly special year. However, 2010 is a completely different prospect. Where 2009’s focus really was all about the B&I Lions, 2010 marks the true start of our planning and preparation for the 2011 World Cup. So many things need to be considered and done this year in order for the squad to be optimally prepared and up for it. For example, a few positions that may not have enough strength in depth, need to be identified. Then we need to focus on the potential replacements who can fill that position, should they be needed. Then we need to give the player an opportunity to play so we can see how he fares as a test player. I know Peter has thought of all these things and he is very well organized and prepared. If we do need to go this route, it may mean we have to play certain tests this year without our strongest possible team. And yet we are faced with the glaring reality that winning is non-compromisable in South African rugby – or certainly is for a large majority of the media and public! So I suppose it is all a balance – one that also throws other curve balls at us, such as injuries.

I honestly look forward to every single test with the same excitement, nerves and anticipation. But I suppose the first test of 2010 which is against France, will be a massive one for us to be able to get redemption. Then of course, as current Tri Nations Champs, it is always going to be huge when we play either Australia or NZ and with a tougher draw this year, we travel away first, it will pose us a real challenge to retain the trophy. These are all important challenges leading into 2011 because world-class teams need to form and maintain the ability to win when expectations are highest.

The two main highlights of 2009 were definitely the 2nd Test against the B&I Lions in Pretoria and the tri nations test in Hamilton. We were lucky to win the Pretoria test, but we did show an amazing amount of courage and tenacity to come back from a disastrous start. The series win, I believe, will only be fully appreciated in time to come. This B&I Lions team were really that good. After a poor week in Brisbane the week before, the guys knew they had to dig deep once again and needed to win the Tri Nations that day. They knew they could not leave the outcome to be determined the next week when NZ played Aus. It was special to win the Tri Nations in NZ, but also to beat the All Blacks 3 times in a row was also incredibly unique. It is a pity we had a poor run at the end of the year.  It seems that it is those memories that remain fresh in people’s minds. Yet the fact that we had one of the most successful years in the history of Springbok rugby remains.

Q: If you were to select a South African all-star team with players from any era, who would pick as captain?

A: As good as some of our captains have been in past eras, my pick would really have to be John Smit. That choice isn’t because I have the pleasure of working with him now, but because I believe he has what it takes to lead men with varying talents and from all walks of life.

I also doubt there can be any other professional sport in the world that has more off-field complicated issues to deal with such as the Springboks. John has an incredible knack of dealing with them all, without compromising his ability to earn his place in the team or his playing ability. He is also is our most experienced captain of all time.

So as I said, as much as I truly believe we have produced some other great captains, in my eyes, John’s appointment is a no brainer.

Q: What advice would you offer school-boy coaches in terms of preparing talented players for the off-field demands of a professional career?

A: I definitely believe that schoolboy coaches have a much greater role to play in the “Life skills” elements of talented rugby boys’ lives. Plainly speaking, one of the biggest problems that young pro rugby players experience is the radical change to their profile and bank balance. This may, and has in certain cases, led to the young men getting ahead of themselves and losing focus on their primary job of playing and training, to be the best they can be.

Also, through a disciplined environment, schoolboy coaches have the opportunity to really enforce how vitally important it will be for the boys to keep a perspective about his achievements. Coaches allow him to see that he will have a role to play in the community and that his life will one day be viewed through a microscope by his young fans. They will look to emulate his every move and may believe that if high profile rugby players can act in a specific way, then so can they.

In short, they can play a massive role in teaching them humility.

Q: What do you think the impact commercialization has had on the school boy game?

A: It has had a profound impact. The game of rugby has now become a full time, multi-million rand business, and players, being the most valuable commodity in this empire, are being sought after at a much younger age.

Rugby, like any sport , is generally won by the team with the best players. So the drive and focus on signing the best players as soon as their talent has been identified, has meant that scouts, certain unions and clubs now look to sign the best school boys as soon as they show any sign of being able to make it in the big league.

Consequently, schools have realized that commercial opportunities can also be found by having their teams play in big games and get more TV airtime, so they too are now looking to offer bursaries and opportunities to young boys who are talented. This may not necessarily be a problem situation, but perhaps there may be a case for schools, or boys under a certain age, to be governed by a salary cap.

In the UK they do have some tight controls on how much the young academy guys can earn until they get a full pro contract. I don’t see it as a problem at present but it should be monitored.

Q: What are your predictions, in terms of technological advances, for the next generation of players?

A: I think because of what big business sport has become, it has also now become more important that decisions made on the field of play by officials need to be accurate. The result of a game should not be affected by officials making errors and they need not be if we use technology correctly.

In rugby league the referee may look to the TV adjudicator to assist him on almost all his calls. In fact the 4th official may actually notify the ref of an incident he has missed without being called upon for an opinion. Similarly, American Football has full video reviews and the NFL believe that it adds to the occasion.

Certainly in the recent cricket series between SA and England, the teams were allowed to call on video reviews. I believe the crowd actually enjoyed the tension of waiting for the outcome, and ultimately everyone is happier if the correct decision is made.

So in rugby I see it as a matter of time before more decisions are allowed to be reviewed by video officials, so that they are given more latitude to overrule a decision made by the match ref if it is blatantly incorrect or may affect a score. There will be some people who won’t want change, but rugby is in danger of being left behind as other sports embrace technology to assist in the correct decisions affecting outcomes. I am sure we will see more technology being introduced in the near future.

Life in South Africa

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: In sport, I think Gary Kirsten taking India to the No 1 position in World cricket has to be our greatest export presently. In stores around the world though, I think Oumas rusks, Biltong and some of our wines. These were always sought after and deemed our finest exports by South Africans during my time in London.

Q: What about life in South Africa did you miss the most while coaching London Irish?

A: The list could be endless, but I definitely think our lifestyle here in SA cannot be beaten by any country in the world – matched perhaps, but never beaten. Sadly we only realize how beautiful SA is when we are away from it long enough. We truly have a privileged lifestyle here in Cape Town, not only with its beauty, but also with the great weather and the amazing places to spend time at – right here on our doorstep.

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: We have, but thankfully not seriously. It certainly did however give us a wake up call that we need to be more vigilant.

It didn’t change my perception of the country, it just made me realize that we need to adapt certain habits to ensure we are safe as possible, but not let it affect every minute of our day.

Interestingly, spending time in the UK has also taught me that the grass is certainly not greener on the other side. There are so many great things about SA and our people, and those positives and prospects far outweigh the hangover we are still experiencing from our unfortunate past.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: Far be it for me to be giving him any advice, but I would dearly love to see him administer a government that is sincerely focused on health, education and of course security. How amazing it would be if every SA citizen could receive health care if they needed it, an education through to tertiary level and a safe and secure environment to live in. It would be great to see the people who work in these sectors i.e. teachers, nurses, doctors and police, be rewarded with substantial benefits and incentives. It might make their so often thankless tasks so much more appreciated, and it could in turn encourage more people to want to seek a career in these fields. I think it should be the priority of the government to subsidize these professions so that they thrive instead of being compromised due to lack of funding.

Sadly though, if I did that I fear he may start asking me why we falter in the scrums, or didn’t manage to beat France and Ireland, and then I suspect he may tell me to leave him alone and focus on my own job, whilst he focuses on his! Then I think I may just obey him and slip away quietly.

Life in Cape Town

Q: What do you most enjoy about living in Cape Town?

A: Everything except the traffic! Cape Town is an amazing city, possibly one of the most diverse and beautiful in the world. It really can be 4 seasons in one day and we have one of the most loyal and supportive sports crowds in the country. As a guy involved in a professional sport, I couldn’t have asked to do my job in a better city.

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Cape Town for dinner with a group of friends?

A: So many great restaurants but the New Grand in the Waterfront is special.

General

Q: Which non-rugby coach do you most admire and why?

A: Alex Ferguson. He has successfully broken the mould of so many incorrect theories that surround coaching and the role of coaches. Phil Jackson – NBA coach for the LA Lakers and previously Chicago Bulls. An amazing man manager who really seems to understand the essence of getting the very best out of his players consistently. Also, mainly due to his spiritual outlook on life, he seems to have mastered the art of keeping perspective. He is a man who has achieved incredible success and great disappointment, yet he is able to stay consistent in his philosophy and behavior. I believe this is ultimately why the successes have far outweighed the disappointments.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all school-boy rugby players?

A: As I shamefully admitted, I do not read nearly enough. But if I was to choose a book that had a profound affect on me, it is the best selling “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle. He discusses the dangers of an out of control ego and has so many lessons that are needed by an individual embarking on the challenges of pro rugby – and of life. If that is too heavy, and you were to ask specifically for a rugby book, then John Smits – Captain in the Cauldron tells a great story of his journey, yet shows his ability to stay normal and humble through all of his success.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Right here in Cape Town. I’ve been away too much lately so home feels like a holiday! But the sound of the sea and to wake up breathing the sea air, would be a great bonus.

Q: How many Voyager miles did you clock up during the 2009 season?

Q: About 150 000 miles.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Tiger Woods. Would ask him if we could play golf together now that he has a bit of time on his hands.

We’d like to thank Gary for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him and the Springboks every success for the 2010 season.

Morne Swanepoel

Izimvo is honoured to introduce Martial Arts coach, MMA and Reality Based Personal Protection specialist, Morne Swanepoel.

Morne, certified as one of the most qualified Jeet Kune Do (JKD) instructors in the world, is the owner and founder of CombatCoaching.com. The various streams offered by CombatCoaching.com include Combat Athletics, Mixed Martial Arts (Cage Fighting), Reality Based Personal Protection and Bully Proof Your Child.

Morne’s illustrious career includes achievements such as 4th Degree Black Belt in Traditional Karate/Kobudo, 3rd Degree Black Belt Yuishinkai Kobujutsu, Director for the World United Martial Arts Federation and certified instructor for the International Council of Masters and Grand Masters.

Website: http://combatcoaching.com
Email Address: aileen@combatcoaching.com
Location: Amanzimtoti, Durban

Morne was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Morne Swanepoel 37 years of age (soon 38) :)

Owner and founder of CombatCoaching.com. Full time Martial Arts Coach and Practitioner specializing in Mixed Martial Arts (Cage Fighting), Reality Based Personal Protection, Combat Athletics, Tai Chi and Bully Proof Your Child.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: Although I travel allot (45 times abroad in the past 15 years) I am a very nervous flyer. Well I love flying I just hate the crashing part :)

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Spending time with the family on the beach and swimming in the ocean.

Personal Protection and Self Defence

Q: Have you seen an increase in demand for your self-defence courses over recent years and are you finding that South Africans are becoming more proactive when it comes to personal security?

A: Yes there has been a huge demand for training. I still feel thou that the majority of the public feel that learning how defend oneself is not of great concern or a priority….until it is too late.

Q: The recent crime stats report showed an increase of 27% in-house robberies. What general advice can you offer our readers to keep their homes safe?

A: Ones safety is directly related to your level of awareness. One could purchase all the latest in home security but if you are not aware of your surroundings then it is a waste of time and money. Without becoming paranoid you need to be more aware of what is going on inside (domestic workers) and outside your property (your street and when traveling to point of interests such as shops, schools etc.) Most crime related incidents can be prevented by becoming more vigilant and learning what you are up against in your area…your reality.

Q: What is the long-term solution to our current crime levels?

A: In my opinion there are quite a few things our government can do to help prevent crime in this country:

1- Bring back the death penalty
2- Take a strong stand against corruption in government levels
3- More jobs for SA citizens
4- Management of illegal immigrants + stricter border controls
5- Educating the nation
6- Setting higher standards for our security forces i.e. Police + Army
7- Stricter implementation of the law

Last but not least to bring GOD back into our government and beloved country!

Q: What are your thoughts on the general public owning and carrying guns?

A: Guns do not kill people. People kill people. You will not be able to have a gun free country. Even in the so-called gun free countries crimes are still committed using firearms.

Our situation is even worse taking our neighboring countries into account and how easy it is to bring illegal firearms into our country. Disarming law-abiding citizens is going to make us all a softer target. Taking the current situation of our country into account then I would encourage every law-abiding citizen to own a firearm and to get the proper training to be able to use it. We need to address where the problem is i.e. the criminal and illegal firearm.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes. The last 15 years I have been involved in various security units dealing with various criminal elements from Hijackers and drug lords to your local thug in a nightclub. The thing that hits everyone the most is that SA has so much to offer and we have a very good idea of where we can be with this country compared to where it is now. Of course crime has affected all of our lives and the way we live. It is sad that the majority needs to live their lives being controlled by minority!

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: I have been offered a job in the USA training security personal. I have also received several invitations to teach MMA (Cage Fighting) in various countries. SA is my country, this is where I want to be and this where I am going to stay as long as God allows us to live here.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I would start the day off in parlement reading out of the Bible and praying for God to guide us in the right direction. Crime is SA’s cancer. I would take a very strong stand against crime and corruption. I would also change our National anthem to something everybody could sing together.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: Durban beaches.

Experience the streets of Hillbrow and take note why we are up in arms with some of the changes in our new country.

Have a braai at a big Rugby match, as no one knows how to braai like South Africans.

Life in Durban

Q: Which kid friendly restaurant in or around Durban do you consider to be the most adult friendly?

A: It has to be the Spur.

Q: If you had to pick between a weekend away in the Natal Midlands or along the coast, which would it be?

A: Coast – golden beaches, tropical weather, warm water…..not a difficult choice.

Q: Where do you most enjoy watching that all-important sporting final?

A: At home on my big screen TV having braai with friends otherwise at Loftus Versveldt!!

General

Q: What are you going to buy yourself as a 40th birthday present?

A: Hopefully a trip to the islands for my whole family.

Q: Who do you consider as the best MMA fighter of all time?

A: Randy “The Natural” Couture.

Q: What advice would you to give to parents of a child wanting to start a sport such as boxing or MMA?

A: Check out the instructor/Coach make sure he is legit. Check out the way the class is coached and if you feel your child will be influenced in a positive manner in that environment.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

Q: In bed at the Umhlanga Sand Hotel with my beautiful wife and 2 kids.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Julius Malema…as long as I can answer back :)

We’d like to thank Morne for taking the time to answer our questions. Be sure visit Morne and the CombatCoaching.com team on their website for more details. You can also email them at aileen@combatcoaching.com

Donovan van Gelder

Izimvo is honoured to introduce the Cybercoach, Donvan van Gelder.

Donovan has been competing in swimming, cycling, running and multisport events since 1996.

His illustrious career includes highlights such as 2003 SA Duathlon and Powerman Champion, 2001 Half Ironman winner and 1998 SA Olympic squad member for Triathlon. Donovan has over 200 individual race victories to his name.

Today, Donovan is known as the CyberCoach. With clients from every discipline, age and fitness level, Donovan’s results as a coach include SA Triathlon Elite Woman Champion , SA Triathlon Junior Champion and SA U16 Road Race Cycling Champion.

Website: http://cybercoach.co.za/
Email Address: cybercoach@mweb.co.za

Donovan was kind enough to answer the following questions for us.

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Donovan van Gelder, 38 and I am CyberCoach. I am introverted extrovert. Hard to get to know but once you do, it is hard to shut me up.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I do everything left before right. Things like putting on shoes etc. I wouldn’t say I am superstitious but I started doing this back in my soccer playing days as a pre-match ritual and it has just become a habit.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Reading.

Q: What are the most rewarding aspects of being a personal coach?

A: The satisfaction that one achieves in achieving a goal is multiplied because I get to travel the journey with every client.

Professional Sport in South Africa

Q: Do you feel that there is enough governmental support for professional athletes from sports other than soccer, cricket and rugby?

A: I think that professional athletes should be taking care of themselves as much as possible with sponsorship etc. They are ‘professional’ after all but I also understand that sponsorship money will go where the media is and the spectator value of the big team sports will obviously grab the lion’s share.

I think the government support should rather be focused on reducing the barriers to entry of all sports for youngsters so that we can unearth potential World class athletes who might never have been able to realise their potential. Once they have achieved and are marketable, it should then be up to them to make a sustainable living from the sport.

Q: Your professional career highlights include 2003 SA Duathlon and Powerman champion, 2001 Half Iron Man Champion and being part of the 1998 triathlon Olympic squad. Which of your performances are you most proud of and why?

A: I am more proud of the fact that I have been competing for 24 years and still enjoy the training and am still excited by racing. I am most proud of the fact that I am able to compete across a number of different disciplines and can generally hold my own against specialists.

If I was forced to single out an event I would narrow it down to the two you mentioned. The Powerman because I worked hard in training for that and I felt in command of the race tactically from start to finish. SA Duathlon champs which was about 5 weeks later was more of a surprise because that win went against the form book and I surprised myself and my competitors.

The one thing I must add though is that every win is special. It is a feeling that you never get bored with.

Q: In your experience, to what extent does natural talent count towards becoming a professional athlete?

A: You obviously have to be genetically predisposed to the activity but I believe that hard work and mental strength will beat extreme talent more times than not. When all that comes together though we see the big dominators like Usain Bolt.

Q: What does the typical day of a professional athlete entail?

A: Well, that would obviously depend on the time of the year and what sport but a professional athlete’s days are pretty simple and monotonous: train, eat and rest. The less distraction in an athlete’s life the better they will be able to train and assimilate the training.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Not that I can recall.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: I toyed with the idea of relocating to the Netherlands but that was for sporting reasons. My family has origins in Holland and I am very comfortable with the language and the culture etc.

It is always funny to me how being away from something always makes us realise how much we like it.

I am proud of my Dutch heritage but I will always be a proud South African. We have so much here that it would take something extreme for me to want to leave permanently.

I am quite militant about people who have left and then feel they still have the right to comment on things from afar. Maybe they are trying to convince themselves that they have made the correct decision? My feeling is, if they left with no intention of returning then they have also given up the right to pass judgement. Things will only be fixed from this side of the ocean.

Oh, and they should also stop supporting our winning sports teams. If you have adopted a new country, you should also support their losing teams! :)

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: Probably fire all the politicians. I remember a quote, not sure who said it, “The desire to be a politician should automatically exclude one from entering politics.”

Look at Nelson Mandela, he was no politician but probably the best leader of a country the World has seen.

Seriously though I would blow the budget on education. Educate the youth and they will grow into adults who will generally make well thought out decisions.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: There is so much! We have so many attractions that we take them for granted. It will help to take a foreigner to as much as possible in order to get a glimpse of our spectacular country through their eyes.

Life in Durban

Q: As a sportsman, what are the benefits of living in Durban?

A: The weather. Winter has probably the most perfect training weather of anywhere that I have been. Cool, not cold. No wind and no rain.

Q: Which restaurant in or around Durban is your favorite for carbo-loading?

A: I am not much of a diner. I eat for fuel mostly. I enjoy places like Stokers up in Kloof more for the atmosphere than the food.

General

Q: What are you going to buy yourself as a 40th birthday present?

A: Eish! Probably a trip to World Triathlon Champs. When I started triathlon you were a veteran when you were 40. Not like nowadays with the differentiation between ‘elites’ and ‘age-groups’. I have difficulty in thinking of myself as a vet in cycling where the category is 30+. So when I am 40 I will officially consider myself worthy of racing in the age groups and will therefore be keen to try my hand at the World Champs, which I believe are in Beijing in 2011.

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: 4X100 freestyle Olympic Gold.

Q: Would you like to see multisports such as the triathlon or duathlon introduced at schools?

A: I would like to see sport in general emphasised more at schools. I prefer that kids don’t specialise too early but I do think playing sport teaches important lessons. Some of the most important being how to deal with losing and winning and that there is virtue in hard work and self-discipline.

Q: If you had to pick one South African as a mentor, who would it be and why?

A: I have never been very good in taking instruction so I don’t think that a mentor would do me much good but one of the South Africans that I admire most is Nelson Mandela for his grace.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: I am fascinated by people. So the more variety you have the better.

We would like to sincerely thank Donovan for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success both as an athlete and a coach.