Captain's profile: Witteberg
Regular Witteberg captain Christo van der Nest will not be able to lead his team into battle, for Saturday's FNB Classic Clash against Bethlehem Voortrekker, but he will be supporting his team from the sidelines.
The Witteberg scrumhalf picked up a season-ending shoulder injury in the first week of his school holidays but he has full faith in his team – now under the leadership of loosehead prop Stian Redelinghuys.
"I'll be there, behind the scenes… giving my support," Van der Nest told the Classic Clashes website.
"We've had a tough year, in terms of results, but the guys have pulled together nicely and I think we have a chance."
According to Christo, Witteberg are the underdogs going into Saturday's clash, but he adds: "We certainly have a chance, but the nice thing is that we have nothing to lose… and everything to gain!
"Our forwards are our strength, whereas Bethlehem Voortrekker have strength up front and out wide, but we're keen to make up for last year."
Last year Bethlehem claimed a last-minute 25-24 victory – their kicker landing a winning penalty goal – but Witteberg (despite winning just one from six so far in 2012) will be heading to their near-neighbours with plenty of support.
"The whole of the school will be there," said Christo, "it makes a big difference."
Christo will be moving to Potchefstroom next season, in order to further his studies at NWU-Pukke.
He intends on studying teaching – "in order to give something back and to remain involved in sport" – and he would also like to continue his rugby career (at Varsity Cup level); depending, of course, on how his rehabilitation fares over the next five months.
