The 27-year-old Kazlo not only shines as player for the club, but also as assistant and kicking coach. According to Kazlo there is a tight bond of brotherhood between the players. “The management is working hard on creating a tradition and culture that not only lead to a good team spirit, but will also be sustainable in the long term.”
During the 2019 season Kazlo was selected as the club’s Club Player of the Year. In the same season he was also selected as the first-team’s Backline Player of the Year.
In reaction to this Kazlo says that, to him, it is not about the number of points he scores, but rather about what he can do for the team. As fly half and place kicker he kept the scoreboard rolling every week, but admits that it is easier to play than to coach.
“It is more difficult to coach, because when you play, you make a difference on the field. When you coach, it is difficult to have the same impact, because you are standing on the sideline,” Kazlo says.
At primary school he focused on soccer, but his love affair with rugby started during his first year at high school at the King Edward VII School in Johannesburg.
His background as soccer player made him a more rounded and fleet-footed rugby player. About this period of his career Kazlo says that the person who had the biggest influence on him as a player was his high-school coach.
“He is still involved in the Craven Week setup at the Golden Lions and gives his players the freedom to play to their heart’s content on the field,” Kazlo recounts about Mr Carl Spilhaus.
Although the outbreak of the coronavirus is hampering participation in sport worldwide, Kazlo looks forward to train further as coach. He has already qualified as an IRB Level 1 coach.
Kazlo and Sean Meijer (NWU Vaal Rugby Club) during the 2019 prize-giving function.
