Gerber Basson - Captain of Kingswood

Player Profile

After arriving at Kingswood from Paul Roos in 2005, Gerber Basson was almost immediately elected as the Kingswood College 1st XV Captain. At 121 kilograms, he is a powerhouse of a tighthead prop. After his scrumming ability, his mobility is his greatest asset.

Kingswood has this to say of his playing ability: "Technically he is a fine front row forward, and his knowledge in this position means that he does not need to resort to the substantial brute force that he can exert. Gerber’s rollicking runs with three or four players attached to him, have become his trademark."

Gerber was born on 30 March 1986 in Velddrif on the West Coast where his father is a fisherman, He started his schooling in Velddrif and started playing rugby there. In Std 8 (Grade 10) he moved to Paul Roos where he matriculated last year. This year he is doing a post-matric at Kingswood. The Gerber part of his name is his mother's maiden name and he is a distant relation of the great Springbok Danie Gerber.

While at Velddrif Primary he played for Wes-Boland, a regional team, at the Under-11, 13, 15 and 19 levels. His Under-19A representation was while he was in Grade 9. Gerber then played for the Western Province Under-16 and Under-19 Academy teams. In 2004 he was rated as the best tighthead prop at the SDA Academy Week, and as such he was invited to the South African Under-19 World Championship trials.

Kingswood has this to say of its captain: "His leadership is respected by all of his team-mates, and his calmness in stressful circumstances is infectious. In a school of our size, (only about 200 boys) it is vital to have players of his caliber to inspire those in the college less naturally talented. Kingswood plays almost every match against schools that are at least twice its size, and so the determination and sheer courage of Gerber are vital to ensure that we remain one of the top rugby schools in the province. He has been a wonderful example to all Kingswood College rugby players. His record as the Kingswood captain so far speaks for itself; played 17 games; won 13, including five on their tour to Australia just after Easter."

He enjoyed the tour so much that he may be playing his rugby in Australia next year, preferably in Brisbane.

Gerber may well miss K Day through injury though the Kingswood coach, Naas Ferreira, is hoping that he will be fit to play. If he cannot, his place will be taken by David Bonellie, the son of an Old Kingswoodian who played in K-Day in the Seventies. David was the Rondebosch captain last year.

Gerber is used to the big occasion as he was in the Paul Roos side in 2004 when virtually the whole school played Grey Bloem – and the first team won. But he realises that this, too, is a big occasion and is looking forward to it.

He is pleased with ghi team, believing it a well-balanced side – "a forwards with flair in the backs".

For a genral view of Kingswood, click here.