Many would say that the hard lockdown in 2020 created hopeless situations for countless South Africans. But there are also those who will tell you that out of hopeless situations sometimes comes the opportunity for change, for innovation, and the scope to do things differently. Kieran Houlston is one of them.
“I was in a dual role with UCT and St. John’s and I noticed this kid playing Under-16 rugby, I felt he was playing out of position at fullback. I went up to Kieran’s dad and said ‘your son can be a professional rugby player’, Musikanth said of the first time he had seen Houlston in action. “A few years later Kieran is back at SAS, this time playing with the Israeli boys, the very same boys who he had beaten in 2017 in the final,” Musikanth added. “He got an opportunity and he jumped on it. He was sponsored by Ciitech South Africa and Frankie was very happy with what he saw from him, so he invited him to SAS. Out of a terrible Covid year, and after taking a very wayward route, Kieran is back on track to professional rugby.
“Hearing his stories and watching him play on clips and stuff…that was big for me, so when we lost him, I also lost a lot of motivation. I took some time off from training and the Lions sent me to go play for Wits. I played two games for them.
“During this Level 5 lockdown I was forced to sit down and think, I fell in love with the idea of rugby again, I needed that culture of commitment. I wanted to be a part of a team environment and a family again. I feel like a team environment is just like a family, and if I can find more and more family members, I will be a happier person. I found the team environment and training and studying again, and that made me happy.
"Kieran has the potential to go all the way and I am thrilled that Ciitech SA has played a role in creating a platform for him to shine. I feel it is critical in sport, that talented players are given opportunities to achieve what they are destined to do on the field. I am thrilled that we have been able to play our part in Kieran's rugby dreams,” said Clifton Flack, MD Ciitech International.
On the lessons he’s learnt, his immediate future, and the role Musikanth played as a coach until now, Houlston said: “I’m really excited about this program at SAS. The program is five months long, and I think SAS is a great place to be away from the distractions and surrounded by people who have the same goal as you. That was the mistake I made – I didn’t appreciate it enough.
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