Gerhard Steenekamp, one of the Springboks’ rising talents, opened up about his first inclusion in the end-of-year tour squad, describing the experience as surreal and incredibly enriching. While he faced challenges, including a yellow card in the recent match, Steenekamp remains focused on learning, improving, and contributing to the team.
A Dream Come True
For Steenekamp, being part of the Springbok setup has been a dream come true. “It’s my first time being included in the end-of-year tour, and it’s been awesome,” he shared. Training with world-class players has been a significant growth opportunity for him. “Every day, I just try to take in as much as I can, get better, and chase the guy above me.”
Adjusting to the Intensity
Steenekamp reflected on the high standards within the Springbok squad, noting how they push every player to elevate their game. “Every player in the squad has massively high standards,” he said. “The chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so I’m making sure I’m not that weak link. I want to get to where these players are and give something back to the team.”
The intensity and expectations of being part of the Springboks have challenged him to adapt quickly and maintain focus.
Learning from Mistakes
Steenekamp addressed the yellow card he received during the recent match, acknowledging the disappointment of letting his team down.
It’s never nice to let the team down, he admitted. But for me, it’s about learning from the experience and making sure I’m better next week.
Gerhard Steenekamp
His mature approach to overcoming setbacks is indicative of his determination to grow both as a player and a team contributor.
As Steenekamp continues to navigate his first end-of-year tour, his dedication to improvement and his team-first mindset are evident. With each challenge, he’s proving himself as a player committed to meeting the Springboks’ high standards and contributing to their ongoing success.