In his first match for Komatipoort Rugby Club (the Impalas), at the age of 16 in 1995, he was man of the match. He played fullback.

On July 6 this year the Impalas beat Matsulu 23-20. At the age of 40 he was chosen as forward of the match. He played lock.

Last Saturday he played his 200th game for the club.

In Onderberg rugby, Corné Dippenaar is a legend in his own time.

He is highly respected by his teammates and opponents, who consider him an old-school, hard, club rugby man. His dedication to the club is undisputed; after all, he has been playing for the Impalas for 24 years.

“To pull that Impalas shirt over your head is a big honour! When you put that jersey on, you are not alone anymore! You are part of something much bigger! You are family. Many people have worn that jersey before us, and many will after us, and all of them will tell you how big an honour it is! Play hard, with your heart and for each other! And probably most important for me is show respect, not only for your teammates, but also the opposition,” Corné told Lowvelder.

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On Saturday, before the team took to the field to face the KaMhlushwa Black Cats, Corné was presented with a personalised jersey with his name printed on the front and the “200” on the shoulders. It was, according to him, an extremely proud and emotional moment.

Lowvelder spoke to him about his 24-year rugby career at the Impalas.

MK: How long have you been living in the Onderberg?
CD: I moved to Marloth Park in December 1997 after I matriculated, and been living here ever since.

MK: What position do you play?
CD: I started out as fullback, but as I got older, bigger and slower I moved through the positions down to loose-head prop, slowly made my way back to the back line, and am currently playing lock. I played all the positions at some time, except for scrum half. But I hope to play this position for a few minutes, if I get the chance before I retire from club rugby… wink, wink, Coach!… (he laughs).

MK: Have you played for any other clubs?
CD: When still in school u/13 to u/16, I played for Tuks University Open Rugby Club and I played a few games later in my career for the Golden Oldies during the annual Malalane rugby weekend. But concerning club rugby, there has always only been one club close to my heart… Komatipoort Rugby Club, the Impala Blou Masjien!

MK: When did you first play for Komatipoort?
CD: April 1995, while on holiday in Marloth Park, I met Louis Fourie, who was playing prop for the Impalas. He invited me to come to
practice, just to keep up my training. I went, and somehow got selected to run out at full back for the first team the coming Saturday.

MK: What is your memory of that match?
CD: I was anxious, very nervous. I was this 16-year-old schoolboy between a lot of big, senior guys. I was selected at full back, last line of defence, and did not want to make a mess of it. I made three try-saving tackles. I did not want to be known as the laaitie who could not defend, I put myself out there and gave everything! Not knowing how club rugby works regarding the function and prize-giving after the game, I left and went home. I heard afterwards that I was selected man of the match, but because I did not stay after the game, Louis
Fourie got man of the match.

MK: What are the highlights that stand out in your 200-match club career?
CD: There are so many, it will be difficult to pick some! But I think the people I met in my playing career, from teammates, coaches and
supporters must be right there on top! I had a lot of highlights during matches, but what matters more is most definitely the people I met on this journey.

MK: How did it feel to run onto the pitch at home on Saturday?
CD: It was quite emotional for me. Having my wife and kids there, my parents and friends, it was so humbling. Wow! I cannot begin to describe the feelings I had! Especially the fact that it was a home game on the field where it all started 24 years back!

MK: How did your teammates/club honour you?
CD: Our coach and teammates made the day really special! Instead of having me run out first, like normally happens in these situations, they asked me to stay behind when they ran on. They ran out onto the field, and stopped to make a tunnel for me to run through onto the field. It was such an honour for me! And sharing it with my teammates, who not only became friends, but brothers through the season!

MK: How have your wife and family supported you during this time?
CD: My wife and family have been my proudest supporters through this whole process! I would not have made it without their love and support. I am very thankful for all they have done for me, and making it possible for me to play this sport that I love so much!

MK: When do you plan to retire?
CD: I am thinking of finishing playing competitively at the end of this season. Maybe exhibition fun games here and there. But I will definitely want to stay involved at the club in some way, to give back a bit of all the plenty that I got out of playing here. Maybe take a year off, and just support from the side, and then help out where I can after that.