With a passion for rugby always part of his make-up, FNB Madibaz’ Kehan Myburgh used the disruptive nature of the Covid-19 pandemic as a catalyst to take his game to another level.
The 20-year-old fullback from Gqeberha underlined his potential last week when he was named the Player That Rocks in an FNB Varsity Shield match against FNB CPUT, despite his side going down 32-35.
Although he had been introduced to a range of sports as a youngster, he recalls how he fell in love with the game when the only toy he wanted to play with was his rugby ball.
He started taking his rugby seriously in Grade 11 and, even though Covid-19 disrupted the season in his matric year in 2020, he was determined to stay focused and make a go of it after school.
“By taking rugby away, Covid-19 motivated me to work harder,” says the third-year B.Com student, who acknowledges that there have been some important lessons on his journey.
“I have learnt that there are going to be tough times. Whether it is an injury, not making the team or making mistakes on the field, it is going to happen.
“What counts the most is how you react. Do you let it get the better of you or do you get up and try again?”
As a financial planner in the making, Myburgh appreciates the importance of setting goals while understanding the path that would take him there.
He ticked a box when he made his Varsity Shield debut this season after being promoted from the Madibaz Young Guns. Now he is eyeing the USSA 15s, USSA or Varsity Sports Sevens and Eastern Province U21 squads.
“But I aim to be consistent with my performances and to enjoy every opportunity I get. This, I feel, will give me a good chance of reaching my goals for the year.”
He knows he is far from the finished article but appreciates the strides his game has made during his time with the Madibaz.
“The coaches have taught me so much on how to become a better fullback or flyhalf and just a better player in general. I have learnt so much about the game after school.”
