HERSCHEL JANTJIES

UWC SUPERSTARS HERSCHEL JANTJIES BY LYNDON JULIUS

“I believe my achievements are big for me but in the greater vision of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), it’s only a drop in the ocean of a successful and prestigious institution.”

These are the words of Rugby World Cup winner and UWC alumnus, Herschel Jantjies. The Kylemore-born Jantjies has become a household name following his shot to stardom during his maiden Super Rugby competition, where he became a Stormers’ top performer in the 2018 season.

As humble as they come, Jantjies — who was part of the UWC Varsity Shield squad that laid the foundation for the 2018 team to gain promotion to the reputable Varsity Cup competition

— believes he’s been given a lot more than just a platform for his rugby career with UWC. According to the scrumhalf, the tertiary institution set him up to be “street smart” and innovative with his career choices outside of rugby.

“Many will probably criticise me for saying this but I don’t think a degree qualification is important. If you look at the number of unemployed graduates in SA, it should give you an idea as to how important it is to educate yourself not only with books but by hustling and being innovative in your approach to earn a living.”

Jantjies has become known for tenacity at the breakdown and set phases but it’s his ability to seize the moment during a game that has not only earned him 10 test caps but also four tries. The 24- year-old has been an integral part of the Stormers’ leadership despite being much younger or of the same age than most of his teammates. He remembers his first Varsity Shield match quite vividly, possibly because he received his first yellow card in a UWC jersey during this game. It was in his next game against the University of Fort Hare that he was selected by the late Bok legend Chester Williams for the replacements bench.

“UWC has taught me how to adjust and adapt to situations,” Jantjies adds. “In one match, you will be on top of the world and owning that starting position; the very next, you only get to play in the last 10 minutes. It was the game in Alice that made me realise how hard the reality check can be when you think your spot is secured.”

Sharing a room with Andre Manuel, the former Bishops’ rugby player and 2019 Varsity Cup top try scorer, has been one of Jantjies’ fondest memories along with those created with his fellow players. He also considers the friendships forged with his coaches to be lifelong, he says.

“My time at UWC has been an amazing one, filled with great memories. I never regarded the history of the University as a political one but I do understand the impact that UWC has made on our society and the beacon of hope that it was, and still is, to so many.

“I saw and regarded UWC as an opportunity when I was recruited by coach Chester [Williams] to join the team.

“I think my greatest and fondest memories have to be sharing a room with Andre Manuel; we will not elaborate on those times,” he laughs.

The boy wonder has praised the leadership style of UWC’s Director of Sport, Mr Mandla Gagayi — “He really made you feel at home and very special; not just the rugby players but all the sporting codes. You could easily see he truly cares for the brand of UWC and lives it through his conduct” — and reminisces fondly about the friendships he’s developed. Most specifically, his relationship with backline coach and former Stormer scrumhalf Bolla Conradie is a standout one that has greatly affected his career. “Coach Bolla was one of the main reasons I could express myself the way I did during matches.

“But I still have a long way to go in my rugby career. I most certainly haven’t peaked yet and still have to put in lots of hours both on the field and in training to get to where I want to be.”