Former FNB WSU captain Phumlani Blaauw, who is at the beginning of his coaching career, has encouraged the current crop of All Blacks players to show commitment and heart, but not forget to enjoy the game during the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield tournament.
WSU were runners-up in 2018 and 2021.
Blaauw’s addition to the technical team has made a massive impact owing to his participation and experience in the FNB Varsity Shield tournament. He started helping out in this role in 2019 as an unofficial and additional resource. He enjoyed the experience so much that he started expanding on his technical and tactical insight of the game under the tutelage of the head coaches who led the team.
“As part of the technical team, I enjoy the plans and strategies learnt at practice and coming together at the game. That’s the most fulfilling thing about coaching, “Blaauw says.
According to Blaauw being captain also helped.
“I had the privilege of leading this great team during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, an experience I treasure and am grateful for to this day because of the invaluable experience I gained as a player and leader. The fact that I had to make crucial decisions on the spot that affected the team helped me grow as a player as this experience honed my ability as a leader.”
Playing as a tight head prop for most of his career, Blaauw says dedication, commitment and discipline are important when striving for success in the Varsity Shield. He however stresses the need for players to enjoy the game, the vibe and the atmosphere.
“What I enjoyed most about the competition was, most importantly, the atmosphere and the fanfare of the crowds. It’s a feeling that one cannot describe, it’s just great. Of course, the travelling across the country to different cities and spaces and meeting different people from different backgrounds with different perspectives was also a joy to witness.”
By Thando Cezula
