I arrived at Parel Vallei in November 2014 taking over the role as Head of Rugby at the school, after spending 2 seasons in Canada. Over the last 22 years I was involved in rugby from primary, high school all the way to provincial levels.
Few players have made an impression on me as coach like Jason. Last year, as part of the unbeaten and 16th ranked U/16 rugby side in South Africa (SA School Sports) I saw the boy play his first matches and was excited from the word go. He played at inside centre and although rather bulky at this early age was immensely nimble on his feet with great general vision, and an exceptional eye for a gap.
I thought we are on to something here! Later in the year I was the one to take Jason to the Under 16 WP Trials where he with ease sailed through to the final trials playing against Boland in the WP B side. Unfortunately he did not make the WP team but his absolute versatility showed as he oscillated between 10/12/13 with ease.
The last and most important weapon in Jason’s armoury is his solid defence and high work rate competing for turnover ball! Jason has been a revelation this year in the highly successful Parel Vallei High 1st XV Rugby team that played 22 matches, won 17, lost 4 drawing 1 against Eastern Cape powerhouse Pearson, contributing with 6 tries on the season placing him in the top 3 try scorers.
PLAYER PROFILE: JASON OLIEMANS
AGE: 17
DOB: 13/01/1999
BORN: Somerset West
WEIGHT: 91kg
HEIGHT: 1.84m
TEAMS REPRESENTED: WP u/15 Elite Squad 2014, WP u/16 Trial Squad 2015, SCST New Zealand Tour Squad
Jason is only Grade 11 this year, and I as head of rugby together with our 1st XV coaches, look forward to cultivating this rare talent and highly possible Parel Vallei representative in the WP Under 18 team next year!
Thinus Pienaar
Director of Rugby
Parel Vallei High School