FNB Varsity Cup
Nevaldo Fleurs on having to bide his time to play for the Maroon Machine and his approach to goal-kicking.
How did the team feel after the hard-fought 40-31 win against FNB UWC at the Danie Craven Stadium? We were happy with the win, but not with our overall performance.
What’s the vibe in the team like ahead of Monday’s big semi-final against the FNB UCT Ikeys in Cape Town? We appreciate being able to play in the semi-finals and are really excited to get back on the field.
You had to wait a while to get your chance to play for FNB Maties due to Covid-19 and the depth in the squad. How does it feel to be in the team and what advice would you give to a youngster in a similar situation? I feel blessed to be granted the opportunity to represent such a massive club. I didn't enjoy the wait, but I learned from the experience, and senior players like Adriaan van der Bank and David Brits taught me many things. I would advise any youngster to be a sponge and even when you do get your chance, keep on learning.
What are your goals for this year, on and off the field? To keep on learning the dynamics of rugby and improving myself as a player. And to see Adriaan lift up the Varsity Cup trophy!
Your goal-kicking has been superb this year. How do you ensure you stay on target? My kicking ability is a gift from God. I'm amazed and appreciative every time I kick a ball. I’m an overthinker. My friend and kicking buddy Curtis Gordon once told me: ‘All that matters is if the ball goes through the poles. How it happens is irrelevant.’ He also said that shooters shoot however they feel comfortable. What’s comfortable for me is if I don't think about any process, I just place the ball, don't stand for too long and just kick the ball.
By Dorfling Terblanche
