F7 Sports Management recently hosted an event, “The Journey,” featuring keynote speakers, Gio Aplon, the former Springbok fullback and DHL Stormers head coach, John Dobson.
The event, aimed at providing an in-depth look into the demands of professional rugby, studies and finance management, brought together aspiring athletes, parents, coaches and sports professionals.
Dobson spoke about the importance of having a party trick or something that sets you apart from the rest but also warned the audience against putting all their eggs in the professional rugby basket.
Aplon, now retired and working at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, focussed on the importance of studying and having set plans in place.
Optimum’s Dr Roelf Botha then provided valuable and insightful financial advice highlighting crucial strategies for financial stability during and after a professional career.
Former Springbok scrumhalf Rudy Paige, now the co-host of the ”Behind the Ruck” podcast, Franzel September, assistant coach of the Springbok Women’s xv team and prof Wilbur Kraak, analyst on the new Boll & Oll rugby show, were all in attendance.
Although entrance to the event was free although attendees were encouraged to bring sanitary towels as a form of entry. These will now be distributed by the Human Nature Project to young girls who don’t always have access to this basic necessity.
Shafiek Mouton, founder and MD of F7, says the event, which was MC’d by Paarl FM’s Melissa Ephraim, was a resounding success.