Cornal steps in to help tomorrow’s heroes

Cape Town - There’s no doubting that Cornal Hendricks has got a big heart. You only needed to be in Wellington on Saturday when he helped to wash the feet of kids from the local community, while also giving each of them a pair of shoes through his foundation and an NPO called Samaritan Feet, to see the extent of his generosity.

“It’s great to give back to the community. Today was just to launch the foundation and to show people what the foundation can do in the future, with life skills programs and clinics. I love kids,” Hendricks said.

However, his “heart” is apparently the reason why we haven’t seen the Springbok wing on the field since he joined the Stormers from the beginning of the year.

At least we think it’s because of a heart ailment, which has also sidelined the 27-year-old for the Blitzboks as the players fight for a spot at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, starting in August.

The information surrounding Hendricks’ health seems to be too sensitive for either SA Rugby or the Western Province Rugby Union to talk about, or to send out a press release.

Those close to the Paarl-born speedster say he has undergone plenty of tests already, but no one as spoken on the record what those tests were for, or when he will be back playing rugby.

It seems like there could be legal repercussions for Saru and WP if the sporting bodies sent out a statement without Hendricks’ permission.

This is definitely not a muscle tear or busted ankle Hendricks is dealing with. That already tells you it’s not good news for Stormers and Bok fans. It tells us that his career might be in jeopardy.

The man himself also didn’t want to talk about it when quizzed about his health. “We are just focused on the foundation,” was his rather nervy answer.

It would be really sad if we don’t get to see Hendricks on the field again, especially after he was just coming into his own as a player.

He is also one of the great role models, a kid who didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth and who had to work hard to make is mark.

And his charity work is about making that path a little smoother for tomorrow’s heroes who come from underprivileged households.

“People blame their circumstances if they don’t make it. But there are a lot of people who have actually managed to rise up above their circumstances,” he said.

“It’s just about giving the kids that stepping stone. I think there’s a lot of talent out there, not only in sport, but academically as well.”

Will we see Cornal sprinting down the touchline again? Only time will tell.

Cape Times