Minister of Culture and Sports Dauren Abayev proposed the idea of organizing a joint training camp for Kazakh and South African rugby players during a meeting with Ambassador of South Africa to Kazakhstan Keitumetsi Seipelo Thandeka Matthews yesterday, QazMonitor reports citing the press service of the Kazakh ministry of culture and sports.
Rugby is the national sport of South Africa and the South African rugby team, the Springboks, are the reigning World Champions. The national team has won three World Cups, including the last one in 2019.
The minister’s proposal was part of the larger discussion on mutual cooperation in tourism, culture, and sports in light of the 30-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“We can consider holding international rugby competitions and organizing mutual visits for sports delegations, coaches, experts, and specialists," said Abayev.
Ambassador Matthews voiced her support for this proposal and offered to hold an exhibition match between the youth teams in Kazakhstan.
Another proposal mentioned at the meeting was to organize concerts featuring famous South African DJs and Afro-jazz musicians.