Ralton Booysen - Captain of Bellville South
Bellville South skipper Ralton Booysen will captain his team in a third successive FNB Classic Clash against Kasselsvlei this coming weekend.
Having suffered successive defeats – in 2009 and 2010 – Ralton and his team made up for lost time with a narrow 15-13 away victory in 2011.
And looking ahead to this weekend, as they host Kasselsvlei at the Rosina Paarwater Stadium (in Bellville South), Booysen would love nothing more than backing up last year's win.
"It will be a tough game," he says.
"They'll come for us… of that I have no doubt! But, that said, we won't go down without a fight and we'd certainly like to make it two wins in a row – especially after we lost twice in a row (between 2009 and 2010) to them."
Ralton first captained his school's First XV at the tender age of 16 (back in 2010). Now, a few years later, he considers himself older and wiser… and a lot more relaxed.
"I wouldn't say I'm not worried, but I've learnt to deal with the pressures of a big game like this," explains Booysen. "I think I'm a better captain than I was when I first took over and my aim this week has been trying to make everyone look at this match like just another regular game."
Last year Booysen told us his intention was to study tourism and to continue playing rugby after school. He has recently been offered the opportunity to further his rugby career – and studies – at the Harlequins Rugby Club in Durban.
He says: "About three or four of us were given letters after playing in a recent tournament. It seems like a great opportunity and we're all looking forward to it."
