Rooting for Mogale’s Springbok

His nickname is Eskom given to him by teammates for having the ability to make big tackles and most likely, knock his opponent out cold, or as they say here in South Africa, lights out!

Come 8 September though, Mogale City’s Marco van Staden is instead looking to light up the Rugby World Cup in France and the News team recently spoke to his family and former school ahead of the tournament, as he is one of the 33 to proudly wear the iconic green and gold Springbok jersey.

Blessed with talent and taking the international stage by storm, Van Staden is regarded as one of Mogale’s own having started his journey in the beautiful town of Magaliesburg. His journey to rugby stardom began as a talented schoolboy at Hoërskool Bekker. He then represented the University of Pretoria in the Varsity Cup. He made his way to the Blue Bulls Rugby Union representing the franchise in Super Rugby, the Currie Cup, the Rainbow Cup, the United Rugby Championship, and even the Heineken Cup. He also represented the Blue Bulls Academy and Limpopo Blue Bulls.

Van Staden has always been a gem that was destined for greatness as he was the head boy in high school having matriculated from Bekker in 2013. He comes from a family that is passionate about rugby, with his grandfather also having been a rugby player which inspired him to follow his own path in the sport. He started playing rugby when he was just seven years old, his first position being a scrumhalf up until grade 11 when he repositioned to be a flanker. He also represented the school’s first team in grades 11 and 12.

Not only is he a phenomenal athlete but an intelligent scholar as he went to the University of Pretoria to earn a sport and marketing degree – cum laude.

Van Staden’s big break in his professional career came when he was spotted at university by the then U19 and Bulls coach Pote Human. He soon wore the light blue colours of the Bulls after that and has never looked back, also raking in the accolades as he went along.

These accolades include:

• Best Blue Bulls Academy student of the Year (2014)
• U21 Bulls 2015 – Forward of the Year
• U21 Bulls 2016 – Forward of the Year
• Super Sport Rugby Challenge 2017 – Forward of the Year
• Super Rugby 2018 – Super Rugby Players’ Player of the Year
• Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked 2021 – Vodacom Player of the Year
• Vodacom Player of the Year – 2021
• British and Irish Lions Championship – He was included in the Springboks squad for the British and Irish Lions 2021 series.

According to his proud mother Debbie, her son loves to spend time with family and friends when he is not on the rugby field.

“Marco is a family-orientated person, very humble with the utmost respect for his fellow man. His family is his whole life. He likes to make jokes and has a teasing spirit. Besides rugby, his hobbies include fishing, hunting and playing golf. With the Rugby World Cup fast approaching he has made all those who support him very proud. I am incredibly proud of Marco’s achievements. He is a dedicated, very hard-working man and someone who always goes the extra mile and who never gives up on his pursuit of his dreams.

“When he had setbacks in his career, he always believed that the Lord would provide and has already set his path for his future. He always leaves it in the hands of the Lord. We are very proud of Marco for being part of the Springboks and playing for them in the World Cup as it is such a big honour and privilege to be part of the green and gold. He is our true champion and we are so proud of him,” she said.

Bekker’s deputy principal Annali Venter also had a few words of praise for Van Staden and wished nothing but success for Mogale’s Springbok.

“As a learner, he set an example for both young and old. His humanity, shy smile, and passion for his sport made him a beloved learner, leader and classmate. He always leads by example, with kindness and compassion. He excelled in all he participated in. He inspires the youth and always reacts with a humble heart,” said Venter.

Van Staden’s former academy coach Lienkie de Beer added, “Our journey with Marco started from the first day he started with the Blue Bulls Academy. We were fortunate to be there with all his matches from the beginning till he became a Springbok. We were there with all his ups and downs and saw how hard Marco has worked for what he has achieved. We wish him all the best.”

Van Staden’s sister, Michelle Ferreira, also praised her brother saying, “He’s an inspiration. We will stand behind our brother and the Boks as they fight to retain the William Webb Ellis trophy. Marco has always been a massive inspiration for me, he showed me that hard work always pays off. Not only is he an incredible rugby player but he is also the best brother any sister can ask for.”

The Boks will start their title defense against Scotland on September 10.