Shimlas taking UJ very seriously ahead of Jozi clash

The meaning of playing in the FNB Varsity Cup is something many people easily take for granted while watching the action from the sidelines or on television on a Monday night, but for the players it means everything.

A player like the versatile Maynard Kleynhans of the FNB UFS Shimlas hails from the town of Tzaneen in Limpopo, but got his first real opportunity at Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria. From there he found his way to Bloemfontein to join a programme that has produced more than 70 Springboks and close to 30 Blitzboks.

Kleynhans impressed on debut with a superb try against Maties in round one, and after recovering from injury he was arguably the best Shimla on the park during Monday’s 45–31 defeat to the NWU Eagles.

The hard-working Kleynhans said simply pulling the famous royal blue jersey over his head is something incredibly special.

“Shimlas have a lot of tradition. In the team room there are photos of the former Springboks who came through here, and every time we have a team meeting you see them,” he said.

“It makes you realise that you also want your name and photo there one day. We always say to each other that we want to leave the jersey in a better place than we found it – you’re playing for something bigger than yourself.”

Meanwhile, in round five the Shimlas will look to bounce back when they face the UJ Orange Army in Johannesburg, and Kleynhans said they remain a quality side and must simply go out and do the job.

“I believe if we can beat our own mistakes, we can beat anyone. We are a very talented side with a lot of special players, and I honestly think we’re one of the most talented teams in the Varsity Cup.

If we can just put everything together, it will be very good for us. UJ are a quality side with a lot of Lions players, and it’s never easy playing them in Johannesburg."

“We’ll have to be spot-on. We had a good flush-out session and put the last game behind us, so the focus is now fully on Monday. Each game is like a final for us and we’re taking UJ very seriously. If we dominate the basics and execute our plan, we’ll give ourselves a great chance.”

Monday’s game in Johannesburg kicks off at 19:00.