BUILT FOR SPEED

Branden de Kock joins a host of Cape Town-born players at the club named after the speedster of the animal kingdom, Cheetahs

By Lyndon Julius | Photography: Skhu Nkomphela

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has, over the years, developed and produced a solid crop of top sportspersons. A plethora of provincial and national players have graced the halls leading out to the UWC Sport Stadium. One new name that has been added to this ever-growing list is Branden de Kock. The scrumhalf recently signed a one-year professional rugby contract with the Toyota Cheetahs, joining a host of Cape Town-born players at the Bloemfontein franchise.

The former learner from Brackenfell High School featured in the history-making FNB UWC side that not only won the 2018 FNB Varsity Shield title but, with the victory, also won promotion to the premier intervarsity competition, the FNB Varsity Cup.

The side was coached by the late Bok legend Chester Williams and de Kock highlights the 39-18 victory over FNB Fort Hare in the 2018 Varsity Shield final as his top UWC moment. “There are so many that I can think of but I think winning the Varsity Shield and gaining the promotion [to FNB Varsity Cup] tops my list of most memorable moments with UWC,” de Kock says.

“It was amazing, I really can’t describe this feeling; just winning the trophy is top of my achievements with my UWC family. There were a few more if I had to think about them but that [winning the final in 2018] was the main moment for me. Lifting that trophy and getting promotion to the Varsity Cup is a memory I will cherish for a long time.”

The nippy scrumhalf lauds the influence of Williams, coach Lionel Langenhoven and current UWC head coach Paul Treu, as well as how the senior players made him feel right at home in the Varsity Cup team when he first joined the squad at the end of 2017.

“I always knew that if were to be part of the UWC rugby setup, it would put me on the map,” he adds proudly. “Also, when coach Chester brought me in and I started training, I didn’t want to leave or be part of any other team at the time. It’s an amazing feeling training with these guys; they made me feel part of the family almost immediately. I learnt so much from all three coaches — coach Chester, coach Lionel and coach Paul.”

De Kock says he appreciates the open-door policy that UWC has instilled. Not only do the coaching and management staff provide guidance but the senior players do, too.

“When I first joined, I would ask questions and then not only would I get answers to these questions around my overall game and how to improve but the senior players would come to me regularly to ask whether I was okay with everything. And coach Chester would always guide me on where I could improve. I am glad I allowed myself to be teachable throughout this period; it laid a solid foundation for me. When coach Lionel took over, it was the same setup — we would ask questions and get guidance on how to improve and where we could up our game. Coach Paul did this as well. There is a very good coaching system at UWC. I am so proud and privileged to have been part of it.”

De Kock has been a thorough sportsman for virtually his entire life, having been handed a rugby ball at the age of only four years old. He excelled in various other sporting codes such as cricket, rugby and athletics, but was forced to make a choice to pursue one as a professional career when he left school. Rugby got the nod, and it turned out to be the correct decision as he found a home within UWC Rugby after a conversation he struck up with the late coach Chester. It was Williams who convinced him to sign up at UWC following his time at the Western Province Rugby Institute in Stellenbosch.

“I was at the Western Province [Rugby] Institute and one day, coach Chester came to Stellenbosch to speak to a few of the younger players about UWC and what they [the University] have to offer. We spoke after that meeting and he asked me if I would like to play for them. I said yes and the rest, as they say, is history.”

De Kock believes it is his love for the game that has allowed him to excel with the UWC team. His advice to youngsters aspiring to make it professionally as a rugby player at university level or those seeking to get to the next level in their craft is simple: “Focus on your main thing — playing for your university and playing well. Later, things will happen.

“I just went out and enjoyed myself. People always told me I should play to land a professional contract but I just enjoyed my rugby and playing for UWC. The contract came as a result of hard work and me just enjoying playing [the game] under three amazing coaches; I didn’t chase the contract. Always ask your coach for advice. Ask the senior players for help and guidance. I am a godly man so I always ask God for help; I pray and trust God to give me the necessary guidance,” he adds.

Speaking about his current team, the Cheetahs, and his future aspirations, de Kock hasn’t changed his outlook much over the years. “I want to gain as many caps for the Cheetahs as possible and hopefully be called up to the Boks some day — that is the dream.”

The final year Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sport Science student plans on completing his degree and the coaches in Bloemfontein are backing him to achieve this.

“I am definitely going to get my degree, I am not going to stop now. The coach at the Cheetahs supports me well and knows I want to complete my studies.”

He furthermore expresses his gratitude on having made the move to Bloemfontein as he sets course on his plan to become a regular starter for the Cheetahs in the upcoming Currie Cup competition.

“Thank you to UWC for the opportunity to play Varsity Cup, the coaches, Brackenfell High School and all the coaches and teachers there, and to all that played a part in my rugby career to date. My family and my girlfriend, Nicole Wiltshire, have always backed my decisions and for this, I am grateful.”

Much like his role model and fellow Brackenfell High old boy, Cheslin Kolbe, de Kock wants to ply his trade in France, incidentally, it turns out, for the same team as Kolbe. However, these two are not linked as he has always aspired to land a contract with Toulouse.

“I always wanted to play for them,” de Kock responds when asked what his longterm aspirations are and the coincidence with Kolbe’s career. “Yes, Cheslin plays for them now but it was part of my 10year plan to play for Toulouse, even before he joined them. Him being there just motivates me even more.”