Hangklip captain: Reuben Mattheus
A positive and a never-say-die attitude is the fuel that burns deep inside Hangklip High's captain Reuben Mattheus.
Mattheus described his style of captaincy as leading from the front through actions as he feels 'talk is cheap'.
"As a captain, I encourage my players to enjoy what they are doing and I prefer to lead by example as I believe that talk is cheap," he said.
Playing his third year in the first XV, the 18-year-old tighthead prop tips the scales at 112kg and has described playing in the FNB Classic Clashes as being the highlight of his career thus far.
"Last year's FNB Classic Clash was definitely the highlight of my career. It was a very tight encounter and the result could have gone either way. Fortunately, it went our way and the victory was good," he stated.
Mattheus is expecting another tough encounter against Aliwal North High and despite thinking their opponents will came hard at them, he believes his side is ready.
"We expecting them to get the ball wide and we know that they are going to come at us with everything they have. But no matter what they throw at us, we are ready for them," he said.
He will lead his side with pride against their rivals and stated that being selected as captain was "a moment that gave me goosebumps as I've dreamt about leading the first XV onto the field".
The teams have been evenly poised in recent times and Hangklip are going into the encounter with a balance of experience and young guns.
"We are heading into the game with a full-strength squad. We have a mix of experienced players and young guns. Every member of the team is hungry for this match and we will give it everything we have," he said.
The captain shared some inspirational words with his teammates before they take to the field which he hopes will fire them up to bring out the best in each of them.
"Each of us were blessed with a God-given talent. Let us use it to make the school proud. Everyone deserves his place in the team. If you enjoy it, you will do well," he said.
Mattheus hopes to make a difference in the lives of younger rugby players by sharing his passion for the game with them.
"I would like to study teaching and get involved in school sport. Rugby is in my heart. Although it won't be my job, I'd like to spread the knowledge I have and enthusiam for the game with younger players and hope that it will make a difference in their lives," he said.
