Fleck wants a pressure-free Schalk
The Stormers will be led by co-captains, Sprinboks Juan de Jongh and Frans Malherbe, this year in a bid to "broaden the leadership group" within the squad.
Burger's leadership qualities and experience will still be invaluable in assisting those two – however, he will not be burdened by the responsibilities that a captain would have in terms of decision-making on the field.
"A lot of people spoke about him being the potential captain and we are definitely going to tap into his experience," said Fleck.
"He has got massive value to add. It's his last season for us, we all know he is going to Saracens.
"We want to free him up, we want him to enjoy his rugby. It's his last six months with us and we want him to play at his best and not worry about the pressure.
"He is certainly playing a massive role in terms of leadership, he will be backing these two guys [De Jongh and Malherbe] up and he has got huge value to add on and off the field."
Fleck said that one of the main reasons behind the decision to appoint co-captains was to groom Malherbe, who is seen as a young up-and-
oming leader within the union, for the future. Although Malherbe will be collaborating with De Jongh, it is the latter who will have the final say on all on-field decisions.
Sharing the decision-making responsibilities will also reduce the pressure on both players as well.
"I have been the captain throughout the Currie Cup and with Super Rugby last year as well and there is a lot of pressure and things you need to adjust to," said De Jongh. "Having Frans there can help take that off my shoulder and it is something that is going to be positive for me.
"When you are captain you got all those things on you and sometimes it affects your rugby and your ability to play at a different level.
"Hopefully now I can focus other things that is going to improve my game."
For Malherbe, sharing the leadership role with De Jongh is something he is looking forward to.
"It is a massive honour and a privilege for me to be part of this leadership," said Malherbe.
"This new co-captaincy excites me a lot. I have played with him {de Jongh] since I joined the senior team, Western Province and the Stormers, and I really enjoy working with him.
"I had the privilege of working with him in leadership role last year in the quarterfinal against the Brumbies when I was the vice-captain and I really enjoyed it.
"I am very excited about the co-captaincy, especially because all the workload is split and I think we complement each other, especially on the field and in personality."
By Warren Fortune
@FortuneWarren
@rugby365com
