Captain's profile: Fanus Pieterse
In last year's encounter Schoonspruit thrashed hosts Wolmaransstad 42-11. Having been part of that squad, Pieterse acknowledged the mammoth task that awaits the visitors on Saturday.
"Last year we lost 11-42, thus I expect a tough match from the hosts. They will try to secure another victory in front of their home crowd and that will make them more focused. But we come into this match as the underdogs, and we have to believe in our preparations. We just need to stick to our game plan," Pieterse stated.
Wolmaransstad’s season has not gone as planned. An average season so far and not doing that well in the PUK 16 Tournament, the centre hopes to inspire his team to a Classic Clash victory.
"So far the season has been average. We have not been securing the results we hoped for, but I believe we can overturn it. Classic Clashes is the different stage and anything can happen.
"We lost four key players due to injury, and in such a close knit school losing four players puts a spanner in the preparations. Despite the loss, we have a relatively young team available to us – who are really enthusiastic and talented," the skipper said.
Having had two years’ experience in the first XV, along with his strength as player and the ability to motivate his teammates, captaincy has come relatively easy and is an honour for the young man.
"I always strive to set a good example in the team. To be a good leader you have to be willing to follow and listen.
"Thus, being named captain is definitely a highlight. There is a sense of pride when I lead the guys onto to the field," he added.
