Captain's profile: Oelof Stander
Bethlehem Voortrekker skipper Oelof Stander is aware of the pressures and emotions ahead of Saturday's FNB Classic Clashes encounter with Witteberg.
However, Stander – in his role of captain – will ensure that his team stays calm and focused on the job at hand; even if many of the players, himself included, will be playing in their final derby match.
"What we can't forget is that this is also a league match," the matriculant tells classicclashes.co.za.
"Sure, derbies are big matches and for many of us it could be our last-ever clash against Witteberg… but we're also playing for league points and a semifinal (or final) place and we cannot afford to be overwhelmed."
At the same time, of course, anything can happen in a big match like this.
Stander adds: "You have to throw the formbook out of the window (for a game like this).
"Both teams will come hard at each other, there's plenty to play for as it's a huge match."
Oelof has captained teams at Bethlehem Voortrekker since his Under-14 days. He loves keeping his teammates together, and focused on the job at hand, as well as keeping his players' feet firmly on the ground.
"The guys work together well," he says, "it makes my job that much easier."
As an eighthman – he has played as a loose forward all his rugby-life – it is not surprising that Stander's heroes in the game are Duane Vermeulen ("The best in South Africa") and New Zealand's Kieran Read ("The best in the world").
At 100 kilograms and 1,88 metres, Oelof is hardly on the small side and he enjoys all aspects of No.8 play; from the physical side of things to the more adventurous ball-in-hand moments.
He explains: "As a forward I have to make sure that the backs get good quality ball. Once I have done my job in that department then, perhaps, I could get the chance to 'have a go'."
Stander will be moving to Cape Town next year, to further his studies at Stellenbosch, but he also has big plans and ambitions of wearing the Maroon jersey of the mighty Maties via the Varsity Young Guns competition.
