Springbok centre and former Maties star Juan de Jongh is backing his old side to make it two consecutive Varsity Sevens titles in Camps Bay this weekend.
The Stormers midfielder got his big break for Maties in the Varsity Cup, before going on to eventually represent his country at the highest level, but he has certainly not forgotten where he came from.
De Jongh is currently busy with pre-season preparations with the Stormers ahead of Super Rugby next year, but he hopes to get down to Camps Bay this weekend to give Maties some high-profile support.
He told varsitysportssa.com: “Hopefully when I get some free time this weekend I will come and have a watch.
“I am still a big Maties supporter, I am still staying in Stellenbosch and to be part of Maties has been awesome for me.
“They have helped me throughout my career so hopefully this weekend I will be able to give them a shout,” said the Bok centre.
Maties captain Rob Ahlers knows that although they are defending champions, his team will have their work cut out for them if they are to retain their title.
“It is exciting now that there is so much competition, all of the varsities, I don’t think we will really get an easy game from any of them,” he said.
Ahlers was part of the side that clinched a dramatic victory in Plettenberg bay last year, and he said that they are determined to back that up in Camps Bay.
“It was one of those moments you will never forget for the rest of your life, it was such a tight game and to win in the last minute was unbelievable and hopefully we can relive that again this year,” he said.
The Maties skipper said that his team have been hard at work to give themselves the best possible chance of making it a Varsity Sevens double.
“For the past nine weeks or so we have been busy with our gym, field-training and even some vision exercises.
“Everything has gone to plan, we have started with a bit of a new team this year, we are rebuilding a bit so all the training has been vital,” he explained.
