Captain's profile: Tiaan van Zyl

With that proud record etched in the history books, it seems that Bethlehem Voortrekker have hit form at the perfect time as they pursue consecutive victory number nine with a highly experienced team.

"We started this season with a few losses but have been on the winning side of things for seven of our last eight matches and that run of form has come at the perfect time. We have won all eight past CLassic Clashes and with our current form, we are positive of extending that dominance to nine victories.

"We have our best side available as last week we were boosted by the return of two injured players. So they have had a bit of a run already in a team that is well balanced with experienced and new players.

"We know what Witteberg are all about and that is that they will look to make use of their forwards. Field position is a major thing for them, so we know they are going to want to play the game in our half of the field.

"They prefer playing off their halfback pairing, so my communication as a captain will definitely have to be at its best," van Zyl said.

With so much on the line and a great tradition to uphold, the 17-year-old hooker – who is in his second year of playing in the first XV – knows the value of practice as well as forgetting about external factors.

"We should not get caught up in the hype [of the Classic Clash against Witteberg] and should steer away from all external factors. We need to remember what it is that we bring to the team as individuals and to do that with the highest intensity as possible.

"Each player will need to give the best they can during practice and remember that perfect practice makes perfect. As a captain, I know the rich history that Voortrekker has and to be a small part of that history is a massive honour," he added.

Van Zyl will be heading to the University of Free State in the near future where he will study Agriculture.