Izak Burger - Captain of Drostdy HTS
Drostdy are one of the form teams in the Western Cape, yet captain Izak Burger is taking nothing for granted come Saturday’s FNB Classic Clashes tussle against neighbours, Worcester Gim.
Burger, who – as a tough-as-nails No.7 flank – is part of this big Drostdy pack, says his team is focused to come away with a win, to add to last year’s 17-9 victory, but they know they will be in for a tough 70 minutes.
“The guys are ready and focused,” he tells classicclashes.co.za. “We had a great final video session earlier today [Thursday] and we know what we need to do.”
Having lost to Menlopark, Framesby and Outeniqua thus far in 2012, wins over Union High, Klerksdorp, Oakdale, St Benedict’s, Charlie Hofmeyr and Helpmekaar see Drostdy occupy 19th position on the latest FNB Top 20 rankings.
“Our focus is always on improving from game to game,” says Burger, “this weekend we’re expecting a very, very hard game, but we’re just worried about how we play. Hopefully that will be enough for the win!”
This is Burger’s first year of captaincy – at any level.
He admits to being surprised when asked to skipper the Drostdy side in 2012, but he is loving it.
He says of the captaincy: “The guys are full of energy and they play with enjoyment. Most importantly, they don’t hold back when they’re out there and it makes it easier for me as the captaincy.
“I think I’m learning with every game, but I’m also lucky to be able to learn from my coaches at Drostdy.”
Izak rates 2007 World Cup-winning Springbok hooker John Smit as his ideal captain – his idol in fact – but he also gets inspiration from his coaches, teachers, his parents and his uncle on a weekly basis.
He does not come from a rugby-playing family, but he learnt to play rugby as a youngster – where he grew up on a farm.
Looking ahead to 2013, Izak has already been offered a contract to further his career in Pretoria with the powerful Blue Bulls.
Although it is far from home, he would like to further his rugby career and it’s a sacrifice he is prepared to make in order to perhaps become a full-time rugby player one day.
