Captain Verster knows how to win
New TUT Vikings captain – and loose forward – Emile Verster’s playmaking skills are not his only attribute.
Just as important is that Emile knows how to win.
And he will have to use all his expertise in this regard when he captains the FNB TUT Vikings for the first time in the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International on Monday, February 1.
Emile comes from a rugby background where losing was, and still is, a big no-no. He went to school at Affies, one of the powerhouses of South African schools rugby.
After school he started playing rugby for the Vodacom Blue Bulls where he represented his union at Under-19, U21, Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup level.
He also represented the Valke’s Currie Cup team.
“I am fortunate that I have played most of my rugby in winning teams. Winning becomes a habit just as much as losing can. In this regard I have the responsibility to change the attitude of the TUT Vikings,” Emile told varsitycup.co.za.
He has a lot of mindset changing to do as the Vikings came last in the 2009 Varsity Cup competition. They were the only team to lose all their games.
“It not easy to change things around, but I am confident that the rest of the team will embrace my 2010 captain’s motto: ‘Nothing is impossible’. I speak from experience as no one gave the Valke a chance to beat Western Province in the 2008 Currie Cup.”
To become more that just competitors, the TUT Vikings will have to learn and accept that losing is a bad second choice.
“To have the right frame of mind we will have to believe in ourselves and the team as a whole. Our fear for failure should never bigger than the yearning to win”, said Emile.
For him, personally, the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International offers the opportunity “to enjoy my rugby”.
He added: “[But] back in your mind there is always the hope that your performance might ensure a provincial contract, but my aim this year will be to just enjoy every minute on the field.”
Verster is on loan to the Vikings, as he has a contract with the Centurion Rugby Club where he will play his Carlton Cup rugby in 2010.
By Morris Gilbert
