Meet the Blitzboks’ Impi
For one thing, the national sevens team's newest member is a mechanical engineer and, yes, that's actually his real name...
Impi Visser. Photo: Gallo Images.
The mechanical engineering side of Impi Visser has taught him to be patient, scientific and pragmatic and trust the construction of designs.
So when the 23-year-old graduate takes to the field for his country at the Dubai Sevens on Friday, those traits will be present.
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Added to that will be massive pride and passion in wearing the Green and Gold of the Springbok Sevens.
The Mpumalanga-raised Visser, who’s actually christened “Impi Brecher Visser” according to SA Rugby’s player database, will be the only debutant for the Blitzboks when the 2018/19 World Rugby Sevens Series kicks off.
But that will not take anything away from his effort or contribution.
“It was a dream of mine to play in the Green-and-Gold and now it will come true,” said the former University of Pretoria student.
“It is an amazing feeling and I can’t wait. This is just so unbelievable, but true. It was such a tough year for me, but that is all in the past now. I am so honoured and privileged to be able to be here and to use this opportunity presented to me.”
Visser picked up a serious ankle injury in January playing for the SA Rugby Sevens Academy in South America and also relocated from Pretoria to Stellenbosch, where he completed his final year of studies.
A centre in fifteens – he represented the University of Pretoria when they claimed the Varsity Cup title in 2017 – Visser is used as a forward in sevens and is clear on his role and responsibilities come the opening match in Pool A against Zimbabwe.
The team environment will aid him, he believes.
“This is just an amazing group of guys,” he said.
“They always have a joke up their sleeves, but are so committed and professional when it comes to the Blitzboks. Their experience and skills are certainly something I can feed from. There is so much to learn from them and to add to my own arsenal as a player.”
Building a steam turbine is one thing, building phases and setting up rucks to create space is another.
“Coach Neil (Powell) always stresses on the importance of doing your job in the team, to fulfil your responsibilities in the team,” said Visser.
“By doing that, everyone else can function and prosper. That will be my focus in my first tournament, just doing my job. And of course enjoying it!”
The Blitzboks face Zimbabwe, Samoa and Argentina on Friday.
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