Affies, Affies, Affies, yes, yes, yes!

Gabby Tjiroze
Elizabeth Joseph



Bernard Wessels, an under-17 rugby player from Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (WAP), known as Windhoek Affies, made his team proud when he was named man of match in their game against the Moria u-19 A on 11 August.

Following his school's win against Windhoek Gymnasium in the final of the u-19 super league of the Momentum Rugby Board's Trophy League this past weekend, one can only hope this is not where Wessels' rugby stops.

He grew up on his family's farm and always had a burning passion for rugby. He started playing rugby from Grade 1.

“I tried other sports but none of them stuck to me like rugby did. There was just something about being active on the field that enticed me,” he said.

The best thing for growing ambition is a support system and Wessles has just that. He mentions that his parents have been super supportive in his journey. They always motivate him to be the best version of himself, on and off the field. We spoke to Wessels' coach, Johan Zaayman, who could not hide his pride. Asked how he would describe Wessels as a player, as well as an individual, he mentioned he has seen immense growth in his character.

“When it comes to Bernard, I can't help but be so hopeful for his future. He is brave and very humble. That has to be one of the greatest traits he has. The fact that he is good and he knows it, but never allows it to get to his head,” Zaayman said.



Winning strategy

Wessels says that when he plays rugby he just goes with the flow. “There is not really any strategy apart from running in the gaps for me. I always observe the game closely and I just play with what is in front of me.

Every player has to have something that drives and motivates them on the field. Even though my father is my biggest critic, he and my mother are still my biggest supporters.

“It can becomes so easy to get caught in the moment and step out of character during a match, but I believe that humility is the greatest gift you can give yourself,” he adds.



The future

Wessels is in grade 11 and says he still has some time to figure out what he wants to pursue as a career.

Until then he will continue to give his best on and off the field to make sure his future is a bright one. Wessels said he would love to go into engineering, but he is in no hurry and still has some time.

“Believe in yourself first, before you want others to believe in you. You can be how fast and strong, but if you do not believe in yourself all that is in vain,” Wessels added.