“Just enjoy it and give it your all” – that’s the advice Griquas tighthead prop, Janu Botha, has for all FNB Varsity Cup players taking part in the 2025 campaign. Botha, also known as the ‘Scrummaging Chef’ is a seasoned professional now with over 50 caps for the Griquas – but his journey began in the FNB Varsity Cup, which ultimately changed the course of his life.
He first started his FNB Varsity Cup journey with the Shimlas before shifting his focus to becoming a chef, a path he pursued for a couple of years.
However, fate led him back onto the rugby field, this time in the colours of FNB CUT. It was at the Ixias where his life took a dramatic turn, setting him on the path to becoming a professional rugby player.
That said, he still dreams of opening his own restaurant one day.
“Getting back into the Varsity Cup system after being away from it for a few years and then getting the opportunity to play for the Ixias opened the door for me to become a professional rugby player – it completely changed my future,” said Botha.
“To be honest, I had no intention of becoming a professional rugby player when I joined the Ixias. I did it purely for the enjoyment, and I think that would actually be my advice to players in the Varsity Cup today.
“Just enjoy it and give it your all because you never know who's watching – it could lead to an opportunity for you to achieve bigger and better things.”
While the Ixias have had a tough time on the field lately, suffering heavy back-to-back defeats against Maties and Tuks, Botha firmly believes the team will bounce back – because that's just the nature of playing for the Ixias.
“On the Ixias front, I know they're struggling at the moment, but there's a lot of heart and fight in that team. It just takes a few small things to click into place, and I know they'll be able to pull off a few great victories in the coming games.”
The Ixias' next game is on Monday against FNB Wits and kicks off at 19:00 at CUT Stadium.
Fixtures: HERE
Tickets: HERE
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