Who is Jannie Putter...
Jannie Putter
Ex Western Transvaal and FNB Pukke hooker Jannie Putter says one of his saddest and most conflicting memories at university was the game against UOVS (Free State University) in 1992.
“We were perfectly prepared to break our streak of defeats of previous years. I captained the team and we knew that we were going to make it. We were in front 26 – 24 and could already taste the long-desired victory. A penalty against us just outside their 25-meter line, a quick tap, a tackle, the whistle and then the referee started walking.... 23 steps closer before he planted his heel and indicated the spot for the penalty.
“Their goal-kicker stepped up, about two metres inside their half of the field and indicated his intention – a kick at goal! The ball literally scraped over the cross-bar in front of my eyes and our victory was taken from us. Many things happened thereafter, but until today it still remains a powerful moment of victory in the face of defeat in my life.”
His biggest of “so many” grand moments in the Pukke jersey was the Intervarsity against UJ (at that time it was RAU) when Francois Pienaar was playing for them.
“It was a memorable victory, more so for me as I played with a broken toe....”
He has “many, many” fond memories of playing in 76 matches over a period of 5 years for the then Western-Transvaal (Leopards).
“Memories of fun, heartache, uncertainty, camaraderie, commitment, sacrifice, discipline as well as the lack thereof - all contributing to my personal growth and matureness as a human being. There is no doubt that rugby helped form my character.”
He loved the discipline of training and the respect and friendship amongst honest, yet brutal opponents. A big moment for him was playing against the Wallabies in 1992 with the legendary David Campese in their team.
The best thing about Puk rugby is “the culture of friendship, commitment and fun (being a student and being alive)”.
Jannie started his studies at Potchefstroom University in 1985 and finished in 1994 obtaining four degrees (BA, B. Hons in Psychology, Hons in Sport Science and a Masters in Sport Psychology).
As a player he was renowned for “my ability to keep on (endurance), my commitment and my tackling. I was also one for ‘small details’ like noticing the yellow moon rising above the pavilion in the midst of a tough training session. I am an optimist and a competitor!”
The best hooker he has ever played against will have to be Uli Schmidt, “a hero in South-African rugby at that time. The mutual respect we both shown (like chatting in the scrum) made him a worthy opponent. Our competition was always fair and hard!”
He has a long list of the great players from his playing days:
· The leadership, the presence and the size of Flippie van der Merwe;
· The fun, the calmness and humanity of Tjaart van der Walt (fly half);
· The tenacity and Eugene Hare (Scrum half);
· The unwavering calmness of Kierie Barnard (flanker)
· The “big shots” of (the diseased) Papie Smit (lock);
· The unpredictability and skills of Wessel van der Merwe (fullback);
· The fun & happy-go-lucky approach of Botha Rossouw (flanker);
· The amazing understanding between me and massive Andre May (lock);
· The under-utilized talent of Bertus Pohl (No 8) and
· The skills of Don Berry (Eight-man) ...
He is not current best friends with any of his former team mates, but keeps contact with them through Facebook.
“At functions we bump into each other, re-living great memories, enjoying the camaraderie and friendship. Friendships through rugby remain forever but we all have our careers and families now.”
On the FNB Varsity Cup Competition, presented by Steinhoff International, he said: “I am green with envy and enjoy the awesome opportunity these people have! What a moment, what an event and what a game! It is one of the greatest things that could have happened to and for rugby in our country!”
There are many marked differences between modern day rugby and when het was still playing.
It can be summarised as opportunities, money and technology.
“The pace of life has changed; rugby is more of a career opportunity (because of the finances available) than it was years ago. Training has become an art whereas it was mainly a routine in the years back. The opportunity remains – excellence will take you many places and it is available to many, yet still chosen by a few. You have to be excellent in EVERYTHING you do if you want to ‘make’ it... There is still a price to pay for victory – many things remain the same and many have changed.
Jannie is staying in Pretoria where is he is employed as the Blue Bulls/Bulls’ mental Coach since 2006.
“I practice as a Sport Psychologist and mental coach that involve a lot of motivational speaking. I am also the author of a couple of books (Wie Wen – ek of my kind? & Secrets of a champion / Die geheime van ’n kampioen).
He can be contacted at 083 291 0181 or Jannie.putter@wellnessafrica.com.