Botes' star shines the brightest
One of rugby’s virtues is its dual emphasis on teamwork and individual excellence. In some instances they are complimentary, in others they are mutually exclusive. FNB TUT’s Wikus Botes, is the perfect example of the latter notion.
TUT’s run in the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International has been a bit disappointing, with just one bonus point preventing them from joining NMMU as wooden spoonists.
Yet, such playing environments allow individuals to shine and the TUT No.8s performances have been as bright as Haley’s Comet.
“Indeed, the season has been going rather well (for me),” the genial HTS Middelburg old boy told varsitycup.co.za. “There has been a lot of pressure on us, but I am very happy with how I have handled the challenge so far.”
What makes Botes’ showings even more impressive is the fact that it’s his first Varsity Cup campaign and the standard of play initially proved quite challenging to him.
“Gee, I have to tell you I was hustling and bustling during those first couple of weeks,” he laughed. “The pace and physicality at which the rugby is played in this tournament takes some adapting to!”
Botes was an unknown quantity at the beginning of the tournament, having played out of the spotlight for Mpumalanga’s various age-group teams. According to him it was an enjoyable experience but also acknowledged that the level of play made it difficult to be recognised.
However, the turning point came in 2008 when he was selected to represent the Blue Bulls’ Sevens team.
“That was a big step for me. Suddenly I found myself playing in tournaments where not only the playing fundamentals change but where more scouts are on the lookout,” Botes said.
“Playing Sevens does wonders for one’s finer skills and I can testify that it added a new dimension to my game,” he added. “It proved the final stepping stone for (me) joining TUT.”
Standing 1.92m tall in his socks, the rangy forward has not looked back and is thoroughly enjoying his rugby at the university. “I really enjoy the professionalism at the club. It has been a great experience,” he said.
For all the ranting and raving, Botes remains very humble and acknowledges that despite his good form, his team is struggling.
“Our biggest problem,” he admits, “is that we don’t trust each other yet. We are a reasonably newly-assembled team and I don’t we have gelled at the moment.”
But this is not a problem as he adds: “We only need to start getting used to each other and like always that will come the more we play.”
It is difficult not to feel for a man on a lone mission to date and fans would certainly be hoping that Botes’ and TUT’s stocks soar – starting with Monday’s clash against NMMU in Port Elizabeth (kick-off 6.45pm).
By Heinz Schenk
