Punt captain: JP De Koker
There will be a buzz in Mossel Bay, not because the town attracts tourists all year round but because of the FNB Classic Clash between Hoërskool Punt and Langenhoven Gim.
It has been a close affair between the schools over the previous two years as they each picked up a win, Punt in 2012 and Langenhoven in 2013, and this year's encounter will be no different as Punt captain JP De Koker is expecting a touch battle.
"They will come to us with everything they have and play a hard game from the very start. I expect them to give their all and not hold back, because after all, it is a FNB Classic Clash," he said.
The 17-year-old has been part of the first XV since 2012 and describes his inclusion in the team as the highlight of his career thus far. Couple that with being handed the captaincy this year, he knows there is huge expectation on his shoulders and hopes to take on the responsibility to the best of his ability.
The 1.9 metre lock is not the type of player who sits back and lets the opposition dictate the pace of the game but chooses to take the game by the scruff of the neck and stamp his authority on the opposition as he knows he has support of his team mates.
The matriculant has led his charges to a good season thus far as they fared well against the likes of Paarl Boys, Outeniqua and Brandwag.
De Koker believes in a holistic approach to captaincy as he takes a keen interest in his players both on and off the field.
"I love leading them on and off the field. Everyone in the team is treated equally and we have a good understanding. Each player means something to me. I don't have a problem if someone does something wrong, as long as they admit it and work to correct it," he said.
Punt will be fielding a team made up of nine seniors and six juniors but their captain has full belief in each individual regardless of their status in the team.
"I have just as much belief in the juniors in the team as I have in the seniors, we are after all one team and everyone in it will do their best for each other," he stated.
De Koker plans on studying Electronic Engineering at either Maties or Pukke and, if time allows, hopes to play koshuis rugby with the plan of eventually making it into the Varsity Cup setup. He went on to say that he wouldn't think twice about pursuing a career in the game if the chance came his way.
