‘n Geestelike kultuur is deels agter Safcol se sukses in die ligafase van vanjaar se Sanlam Boland Top12-reeks, sê hul heelagter-ster, Connor Mahoney.
Die 22-jarige Mahoney – ‘n groot uitblinker met die bal in die hand in ‘n onoorwonne veldtog tot dusver – het in ‘n onderhoud die sluier gelig oor hoe daar buite rugby ook aan die spelers as mense geslyp word.
TRENDING: Connor Mahoney scoring a 60-metre solo try in Round Three of the Sanlam Boland Top12. Source: https://www.tiktok.com/@bolandrugbyunion | NH Sports TV
“Ons het nou iets in ons klub waar spelers om die beurt Saterdae-oggende die Woord gee. Die een gee die Woord en een gaan bid,” vertel Mahoney, wat destyds in die Bulle se ouderdomsgroepe was en ook al ’n draai by die Blitsbokke gemaak het.
“Dis wat Saffies nie verlede jaar gehad het nie. As jy God aan jou kant het, kan jy enigiets trotseer. Om God deel van ons toekoms te maak, is ‘n baie goeie ding. Ons kan sien dat ons die vrugte daarvan pluk. Ons word baie goed afgerig. Jy groei as speler én mens,” sê hy.
Volgens Mahoney word ‘n tema vir die week uit afrigtingsgeledere aan ‘n speler gegee.
“Soos ‘wees sterk’. Dan moet jy ‘n versie in die Bybel gaan vind waar daar gepraat word oor sterk wees. Jy moet dit dan lees en bid oor waaroor daardie versie gaan. Elke speler kry ‘n geleentheid om ‘n versie vir die span te lees,” sê hy.
Dié gebruik vind plaas op Saterdae-oggende, voordat die span later die middag speel, hetsy dit in kompetisie of in vriendskaplike wedstryde is.
Op die speelveld word Mahoney nou fyn deur teenstanders dopgehou, maar hy is heel gemaklik daarmee omdat dit vir spanmaats ruimte kan skep.
“Dit het verlede Saterdag (in die wen van 23-17 oor Bella Vista) gebeur. Daar was ‘n oomblik waar 4 ouens op my toegesak het toe ek die bal gehad het. Ek het al vier getrek en die bal uitgegee, toe druk ons. Duidelik was ek ‘n teiken. Hulle het vergeet dat daar 14 ander ouens in ons span is! Ek sal vir 80 minute maar die pyn vat.”
Oor hoe hy daarin slaag om soveel teenstanders te klop, sê Mahoney dat dit vernaam danksy visie is.
“Ek sien baie vinnig iets raak. As daar ‘n stut is wat moeg lyk, sal ek daar hardloop. Ek kyk uit vir die vettetjies. Dis maar 1 uit 10 keer dat ‘n stut ‘n heelagter gaan vang,” vertel hy.
Brendon Cloete, afrigter van Safcol, praat met die grootste lof oor Mahoney.
“Connor is ‘n x-faktor speler,” sê Cloete. “Sy visie om die gapings raak te sien … dis ‘n speler wat ‘n gawe het. Min ouens beskik oor daardie talent.”
Confidence Rule #27: Having the right support can get you through the unthinkable.
Shandre Prince proudly serves as the captain of Delicious NW RVK. He considers to be part of this group of players a profound privilege and honour as he leads his team on the field.
Shandre reflects on his journey: “First of all it is a great privilege to be part of the group players and what an honour to lead such a great group of guys,” said a proud Shandre Prince.
“I joined Delicious NW RVK in 2019. Started on the flank and then later made the shift to lock. My rugby journey got underway while at Laerskool Klawer where I played fly-half. In 2010, we moved to Upington, where I completed my high school career at Upington High School. In 2012, I was selected to be part of the 1st XV and had the privilege of playing alongside Jasper Wiese that year.”
“In 2019, I secured a job in Clanwilliam, which led me to join Delicious NW. I have truly grown as a person and a player, thanks to my teammates and coaches. I’ve developed a deep love for the type of rugby played in the Boland league and for our reliable and loyal supporters who come out every weekend to support us.”
Over the past two years the rise of live-streaming matches has really propelled players into virtually household names across the Boland Rugby Union – a union which stretches across 13 municipalities and has roughly 18,000 registered club players. The advent of accesibilty to club rugby matches from the comfort of your mobile device has propelled the Boland club player into the spotlight while showcasing the talent within every team and club.
“The generous sponsors have played a pivotal role in making these experiences possible. My hope is for this momentum to continue growing because, without a doubt, our team has the potential. It merely requires the right guidance to steer us toward greater success. I hold firm in my belief that Boland will produce players destined to represent South Africa.
“As young men, we carry the responsibility to be exemplary role models for ourselves and for the aspiring boys and girls in our community. In the game of rugby, we find not just sport but a remedy for many challenges within our communities.”
In conclusion, Shandre Prince’s journey is a narrative of confidence and community impact. His dedication to Delicious NW RVK in Clanwilliam exemplifies the power of rugby, both on and off the field. As captain, Shandre’s leadership stands as a beacon for aspiring players and a source of inspiration for the community at large.
Hilton Seroot, wat gebore en getoe in Ceres, was ‘n leerder aan Mooi-Uitsig Primêr en Bella Vista Primêr Skool. Daarna het hy gematrikuleer aan Ceres Sekondêre Skool. Hy was ‘n kranige rugby en krieket speler op skool.
Hy het professioneel rugby gespeel vanaf 1999 tot 2006, waar hy vir Boland en die Goue Leeus uitgedraf het.
Seroot het toe hy nog op hoërskool, op ouderdom 17 in 1995, sy buiging vir Bella Vista Rugby Klub gemaak. In sy eerste wedstryd speel hy op eendag vir die derde, tweede en eerstespan.
“Daar is te veel vriende om op te noem saam wie ek saamgespeel het,” het Seroot vertel. “Vandag is daar nog vriende met wie ek werk as afrigters. Name soos Divan Paulse, Louis Thys, Jonathan James Fredericks, en Warren Petersen. Die is van die manne met wie ek nou saamwerk.”
In die jaar 2008, het Seroot kookwater rugby gespeel, maar moes dit egter opgee. Hy het verder gaan studeer om ‘n meganiese elektriese ingenieur te bekom. Hy het daardie jaar tot die slotsom gekom dat lewe na rugby netso belangrik is en moes die moeilike besluit maak.
Hy ag homself bevoorreg om Ceres RVK af te rig wat deurgedring het tot die Top 8 kompetise in 2015. Hy was ook betrokke by die afrigtingspan van Bella Vista Rugby Klub wat deurgedring het tot die finaal van die Boland Top 12 kompetisie in 2022.
Huidiglik is Seroot steeds deel van die Bella Vista afrigtingspan. Behalwe vir sy afrigtingshulp vir Ceres RVK in 2015 en Bella Vista Rugby Klub in 2022-2023, het hy self gehelp met afrigting by ‘n laerskool.
Seroot voel baie trots en positief oor die Sanlam Boland Top12 kompetisie.
“Bella Vista het ‘n goeie seisoen sover beleef en ons kan net voortbou om ons doelwitte te bereik,” het Seroot verder vertel. “Die korttermyn om semi-finaal te haal is een van dit. Hierdie keer sal ons die finale hekkie ook oor klim deur die oorwinnaars weg te stap. Met goeie voorbereiding glo ek ons het ‘n goeie kans om ons doelwitte te bereik.”
‘n Paar oomblikke en hoogtes wat vir Hilton Seroot in sy rugbyloopbaan uitstaan:
Confidence Rule #50: The Best Thinking is Future-Thinking.
By William Mugal | Photographs: Bernadette Louw
Rodwill Jonkers, a formidable force in the world of rugby, exemplifies the profound connection between confidence and success. His story, shaped by dedication, family support, and a deep love for the game, unfolds as a testament to the transformative power of rugby within the community at his club, Saldanha Bay RFC.
The Power of Prayer and Individual Confidence
“Firstly, prayer carries strength in everything you begin and end,” Jonkers begins, emphasising the strength found in prayer at the beginning and end of every endeavour. “I think that is where individual confidence begins,” he adds, acknowledging that individual confidence finds its roots in belief. For Jonkers, this confidence extends into every aspect of his life, both on and off the rugby field.
Family Motivation and the Love for the Game
Jonkers draws inspiration and motivation from his support circle, particularly his children, Larkham and Aria-Rose. “My children are my biggest motivation,” he states. The preparation, confidence, experience, and love for the game are all intertwined with this core confidence, creating a foundation for success.
Jonkers cherishes the 80 minutes on the field, considering it his “free space between the four lines with and without the ball.” It is within these lines that he finds joy in running alongside his teammates. The camaraderie shared with coaches and fellow players is the driving force behind the good decisions he makes both on and off the field.
As a member of the Saldanha Bay RFC, Jonkers emphasises the importance of being ambassadors for positive decision-making within the community. He expresses gratitude for those who contribute to the club. As a rugby player, Jonkers believes it is crucial to set a good example for the community’s children, fostering positivity and guiding them toward making the right decisions.
Sport’s Transformative Power in Community Life
He reflects on the profound impact sports, particularly rugby, can have on changing lives. “Sport has the power to change lives,” he affirms, recognising the potential for positive transformation within the community. The club’s involvement in community development goes beyond the field, instilling values that extend into the broader lives of the youth.
Rodwill Jonkers’ journey sends a strong message of confidence, family support, and community impact. His commitment to good decision-making, both in rugby and community leadership, underscores the transformative power of sports. Through gratitude and dedication, Jonkers stands as a role model, illustrating how rugby can be a catalyst for positive change within the lives of individuals and the broader community.
Daar is nog sewe spanne wat hierdie naweek kans het om te kwalifiseer vir hierdie jaar se Sanlam Boland Top12 semi-finale wedstryde. Dit word op 25 November in Wellington op Boland Park gespeel met elke wedstryd wat regstreeks uitgesaai word hier op die Boland Rugby se webtuiste.
Kom ons kyk hoe lyk die spanne se kanse om by Robertson Town en Safcol United aan te sluit.
Foto: Deon Julies
Groep A Saldanha Baai kort ‘n bonuspunt oorwinning teen Hawston die naweek, maar sou die wenner van Roses United en Darling nie n bonuspunt oorwinning behaal nie, dan sal ‘n wen sonder ‘n bonuspunt vir die verdedigende kampioene genoeg wees om deur te dring na volgende naweek (25 November) se semi-finale.
Vir Darling sal ‘n sege oor Roses United genoeg wees mits Saldanha Baai vasval teen Hawston. Darling se punteverskil kolom is baie swakker as Saldanha Baai sin, so die Swartland kampioene moet hoop Saldanha verloor of wen sonder n bonuspunt. Maar, dan gaan hulle moet wen met ‘n bonuspunt teen Roses United.
So gepraat van Roses United, hulle moet vir Darling wen en hoop Saldanha Baai val vas of wen sonder om ‘n bonuspunt op te tel, maar dan gaan die span van Wellington vir Darling met ‘n bonuspunt moet wen.
Hawston moet vir Saldanha Baai met n bonuspunt wen en hoop Darling en Roses United speel gelykop. As daar ‘n wenner op Darling gaan wees, beteken dit Hawston word uitgeskakel al wen hulle vir Saldanha baai.
Eagles is alreeds uit die semi finale.
Foto: Bernadette Louw
Kom ons kyk na Groep B, Wesbank kort net een ligapunt om vir die semi-finaal te kwalifiseer.
Bella Vista moet vir Wesbank wen nie net met ‘n bonuspunt nie, maar met meer as agt punte om vir die manne van Malmesbury te ontneem van enige ligapunte. Boonop sal Bella Vista hoop Young Hamiltons kry nie n bonuswen op Clanwilliam, teen Delicious NW, met n groot punteverskil nie.
Young Hamiltons kort n bonuspunt wen teen Delicious NW en moet dan hoop Wesbank tel geen ligapunte op teen Bella Vista nie. Die span van Esselen Park moet dan verder hoop Bella Vista behaal nie n bonuspunt sege nie, sou Bella Vista nie bonuspunt oorwinning optel nie en Young Hamiltons wen wel met ‘n bonuspunt is Hammies deur na semi-finale.
Mamre en Delicious NW kan nie kwalifiseer vir semi-finale nie.
Confidence Rule #42: Slow and Steady Builds the Nest Egg.
by Ashley Lotz | Photograph: Tersia Joy
Keanan Solomons, a seasoned rugby player hailing from Wesbank RFC, embodies the true spirit of confidence both on and off the field. His journey, marked by determination, serves as a testament to what a player can achieve through self-belief.
His rugby story began – as most South African kids’ stories do – at the tender age of 7, evolving through the years as he played for Schoonspruit Secondary and eventually captained the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) rugby team in 2023 in the prestigious Varsity Shield competition.
Currently donning the number 8 jersey for his home team, Wesbank RFC, Solomons reflects on the paramount role that confidence plays in shaping his success.
Photograph: Ashley Lotz
Overcoming Adversity: A Tale of Confidence
In the face of adversity, Keanan encountered a pivotal moment during his school playing days when a fractural injury threatened to end his rugby aspirations. Initially, he was advised that he may never fully recover to return to the rugby field. However, with unwavering determination and resilience, and multiple visits to physiotherapists, Solomons not only fully recovered but also returned to the rugby field stronger than ever.
“I remember my first match back after this injury, I got an award for Player of the Match,” Solomons said as he reflected.
As a final year student at the CPUT, aspiring to become a teacher, he sets ambitious life goals. His journey is marked by dedication and an unshakeable confidence in his abilities.
Photograph: Varsity Cup
“This confidence is not only a driving force for my personal achievement but also a means for me to give back to my community. Through training school rugby players and local kids, I hope to instill a strong sense of purpose and determination, fostering success in every aspect of life.”
In the realm of rugby, Solomons emphasises the importance of being a team player. Recognising that this sport thrives on collective effort, he values the confidence of his teammates and advocates for a positive mindset before every match. Supported by his family and fellow team members, his confidence becomes a contagious force that motivates others in his community.
Having captained teams throughout his rugby career, including his university team in the WP league, Solomons’ confidence has not only propelled his personal growth but also motivated others in his club and garnered the admiration of fans.
His younger brother, Cowen, follows in his footsteps by wearing the number eight jersey for St. Thomas Primary, the legacy of confidence, leadership, and inspiration continues to thrive within the Solomons family.
Keanan Solomons’ rugby journey is a testament to the transformative power of confidence. Through overcoming adversity, setting, and achieving ambitious goals, and fostering team spirit within his community, Keanan stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring rugby players and future leaders.
