Under the expert guidance of international korfball missionary Daniel de Rudder, korfball in Southern Africa has taken another step forward.

In September, along with fellow Belgian Dirk van Heertum, and with financial and logistical support from the Flemish Government, Daniel paid another visit to Africa, where korfball continues to grow.

The latest visit comprised IKF introductory referee and coaching courses in Zomba, Malawi, as well as level one and two referee and coaching courses in Pretoria, South Africa, the latter provided in conjunction with the South Africa Korfball Federation (SAKF) during its academy for national U16 and U19 teams.

In Zomba the police training college hosted the courses. Twenty police officers from seven regions took part over five days and earned their introductory referee and coaching certificates.

At the conclusion of the courses participants agreed on plans including incorporating korfball into the sports curriculum of Malawi police colleges, playing korfball in police sports competitions, and presenting korfball at local schools.

Moving on to Pretoria, Daniel and Dirk’s visit coincided with the SAKF’s largest ever academy. Under the local leadership of Chris and Elsie Theyse and Héloise Peusschers, 70 people attended to improve their korfball skills, including participants from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia.

In a very hard-working week the large group worked five 12 hour days to hone their skills, with Daniel overseeing the activities of 21 level one and three level two coaches through the programme, while Dirk took the referees through their level one and two courses.

At the conclusion of the academy, the presence of the international visitors enabled progress on plans for a tournament for the Southern African national korfball teams in Pretoria from 3-6 December.