Only time will tell whether or not FNB Varsity College can keep their impressive performances and results so far in the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition. The newcomers have two from two and are currently sitting just behind FNB UP-Tuks on the log. Vice-captain Jacques Marais says they are aiming high this year.
“I would like to leave Varsity College knowing that it is in a better place than when we entered. It would be amazing to make it into the Varsity Cup competition and we are working really hard to aim for that in the future.”
Coach Jeremy McLaren considers the hooker as one of the team’s X-factors and describes him as a “brave professional leader”.
“Coach Jeremey and I have a good relationship. We view him as a father figure, and not just a coach. What makes him a great coach is that he cares about the man off the field. He sees each player as an individual,” says Marais.
As one of the leaders amongst the forwards, Marais has made it clear that his showings on match days have not come by sheer fluke but rather as the result of hard work and consistency.
“It sure is hard work and consistency that is key. Not only in training but the after-hours, weekend extras and a healthy rest. For example, as a hooker and when my throwing has rough edges, when the weekend comes around it's an opportunity for me to go to the field and practice my throws.”
Marais, who has scored three of his team’s nine tries in the competition this year, says it is his faith that has been part of the building blocks that have made him the person he is today.
“Every part of our lives should be an outworking of our faith. I am not saying I always get it right but it's a journey. You can't claim to follow the Lord and then act like a different person with your team, so yes, my faith is very important to me.”
by Mpendulo Letsoalo
