Captain’s profile: TP Kleynhans
TP Kleynhans describes captaining a red-hot Rooies side this season as a life-changing experience.
The 1.9m, 101kg lock has stood tall as Rooies skipper this season, leading his team into the Griffons league play-offs with his uncompromising style and loves leading the first XV.
“Being named captained was one of the greatest moments of my life. It is a great honour for me to captain the first XV and it has shaped me into a better man,” said the 18-year-old.
“I always try to play as hard as possible, push myself to new limits and to lead by example not by words or empty promises. For me it’s also important to stay humble and praise the Lord for blessing me,” he added.
Having played Grant Khomo rugby in 2011 and Under-18 Academy Week rugby in 2012, Kleynhans was this year selected for the Griffons Craven Week team but had to withdraw due to an ankle injury.
That setback, however, did little to off-put an otherwise highly successful and enjoyable season.
“We are having a really good season this year and I’m proud that we have earned a place in the play-offs,” he said.
Kleynhans will captain his side in the crunch Bloues-Rooies FNB Classic Clash on Saturday and aims to extend their impressive winning streak against their Kroonstad rivals to six.
“I expect them to come at us with everything they have and they will take every opportunity they get to put points on the board but we have an experienced team, with seven players who played in last year's derby,” he said.
“We’ll play as if it is our last game and give it our all to make ourselves, God and our school proud.”
