Q&A with Albert Sorgdrager
We caught up with Steinhoff Villagers captain and lock Albert Sorgdrager – to talk about his own game, his rich family history and the 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships.
Albert Sorgdrager was always destined to play for this hostel, as his dad was one of the founding members of Villagers and served two years as ‘Prim’ of the hostel.
Sorgdrager is in his third year of captaining Villagers and, if he can have things his way, he will skipper them to the Steinhoff Koshuisrugby title this year.
varsitycup.co.za got to know this superb leader a bit better:
(1) Varsity Cup (VC): Why did you specifically decide to go to Pukke?
Albert Sorgdrager (AS): “Almost my whole family studied at Pukke and my grandfather was a professor (here) for about 30 years. So I decided on Pukke, even though UJ is just around the corner from where I stay in Jo’burg.”
(2) VC: What do/did you study?
AS: “I am currently busy with my final year in electrical and electronic engineering and planning on starting with my ‘M-Degree’ next year.”
(3) VC: Is there anyone in the family that is (or was) also good in rugby or sport?
AS: “My uncle, Hennie Kruger, was a solid sprinter back in his day and later turned to coaching in both rugby and athletics. He coached under Heyneke Meyer at SWD and the Blue Bulls. He is now the head of Tuks athletics.”
(4) VC: What rugby hostel (anywhere in the country) do you most enjoy playing against and why?
AS: “There are two actually. Overs (Pukke) and our rival dorp’s Koshuis who I won’t even mention! Overs are the strongest of the campus hostels whereas Villagers are the strongest of the dorp’s koshuise. Both hostels take their rugby very seriously!”
(5) VC: Do you have any superstitions regarding rugby?
AS: “Yes, I have two – I play in the same underpants each game for the whole season and I never practice in my matchday boots.”
(6) VC: Do you have a personal goal for the Steinhoff Koshuisliga, or the rest of the season?
AS: “Sure, a sportsman without a goal is not committed to his sport. My goal is to lead my team to take the number one spot at the end of the day.”
(7) VC: What would you describe as your strong points as a rugby player?
AS: “My mental power and determination. My leadership abilities are also probably one of my strong points.”
(8) VC: Which coach has had the biggest influence on your career up to now?
AS: “It is without a doubt Stefan ‘Botter’ Lourens. He was my first team coach at Hoërskool Florida for two years. Coach Botter was not only a big influence on my career, but also in my life.”
(9) VC: What can we further expect from your team and how do you think they will perform?
AS: “We are a well-balanced team and have a flyhalf with an excellent kicking boot. There are also a few good runners in the mix and we possess a solid defence.”
(10) VC: What has been your biggest embarrassment on the field, if any?
AS: “I was knocked out cold in a fight that broke out against Hoërskool Ermelo. It happened right in front of our supporters and was also captured on camera! For a long time, afterwards, I was known as ‘One Time’!”
By Ruan Bruwer
