SportStroom with Freddy Ngoza: Rebuilding Rugby From the Ground Up
- Karen Scheepers
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
In this riveting episode of SportStroom, Drikus sits down with Freddy Ngoza, former Springbok loose forward, now assistant coach at the Leopards rugby team and CEO of Phoenix Sports Group. From his days in the jersey of the Bulls and Falcons to his global vision for sports development, Freddy offers insight, passion, and purpose.
From the Field to the Boardroom
Freddy Ngoza’s journey through professional rugby spans teams like the Blue Bulls, Free State, Falcons, and even clubs in Russia and Lesotho. But post-retirement, Freddy didn’t walk away from the game, he walked deeper into it. Founding Phoenix Sports Group was his way to give back and create the support structure he once wished for.
Inspired by the mythical phoenix that rises from ashes, Freddy saw his transition from player to mentor and CEO as a symbolic rebirth. With Phoenix Sports Group, he’s now igniting opportunities for youth across South Africa.
What is Phoenix Sports Group?
Phoenix is a sports promotion company focused on youth development, with a particular emphasis on rugby.
The organization offers:
One-on-one coaching and athlete identification
Holistic development (academic, mental, and physical)
Coaching clinics and skill refinement
Exposure opportunities through collaborations like the Cape Town Tens
They aim to go beyond just building players, Phoenix develops future coaches, managers, and sport professionals, creating an ecosystem of sustainable careers in sport.
The Core Mission and Five-Year Plan
The core mission of Phoenix Sports Group is to globalize their unique “one-versus-one” rugby coaching philosophy and create value for their partners through impact-driven programs. Their five-year plan centers around expanding this model both nationally and internationally, using their strong social media following and community networks to push for global reach.
Meet the Team Behind the Vision
Phoenix Sports Group might be small, but it is mighty:
Freddy Ngoza – CEO and founder, the heart of the operation
Darren Kramer – Cape Town-based entrepreneur and investor with a shared vision of uplifting disadvantaged communities
Greg Mac Donald – Chief Financial Officer, based in London, UK
Media Team – Freddy’s wife and close friend manage all media output and branding
The organization started with just three people but has since grown into a structured, dynamic team capable of running complex, high-impact operations across South Africa.
Expanding Beyond Rugby
While rugby remains the flagship focus, Freddy has clear ambitions to expand into:
Soccer – Recognizing the deep talent pool in local communities
Netball – Empowering female athletes in disadvantaged areas
Cricket – Tapping into the vast base of potential
Frisbee (Glove Action) – A novel, multi-gender sport ideal for youth development in primary schools
Still, Freddy is committed to first globalizing rugby within Phoenix’s structures before launching into other sports.
Why They Created the Academy Structure
Initially, Phoenix’s one-on-one coaching model involved hosting weekend events. But Freddy quickly realized that two-day sessions weren’t enough to create lasting change. That realization birthed the academy structure, where long-term skill development and mentorship could take root.
These academies are set up regionally and focus on:
Skill development
Academic support
Mental conditioning
Exposure through competition
Balancing Prestige with Grassroots Development
Phoenix doesn’t just chase trophies, development is their cornerstone. That’s why everything is rooted in structured academy programs. They believe real impact happens through consistency, not one-off events. By traveling with their tent series and returning to communities, they ensure continuity and lasting influence.
A Model Built to Travel
Phoenix doesn’t operate from a single venue. Their mobile format allows them to:
Host regional qualifiers
Train local coaches
Roll out 12-week skill programs with recurring assessments
Expand across Eastern Cape, Atlantis, and other regional hubs
With plans to eventually grow into 24 regional hubs, Phoenix is building a model that replicates success while remaining deeply rooted in community upliftment.
From the dusty fields of disadvantaged towns to the polished pitches of international venues, Freddy Ngoza’s Phoenix Sports Group is blazing a new trail in youth development. It’s not just about producing rugby stars, it’s about transforming lives through sport.
🔗 Learn more at phoenixsportsgroup.co.za
Watch the full interview by clicking on the button below:
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