Get to know your Griquas players: Janu Botha

Every week, the DFA plans to bring readers a little insight into the young men, the pride of the province, who run out onto the rugby fields in Kimberley and around the country making us proud. So, what makes these young men tick? Let’s find out: Here, Danie van der Lith speaks with Janu Botha.

Janu Botha, tell us the basics about yourself.

“My friends call me ‘Buddy’. I am 26 years old, born in Johannesburg, and I play as tighthead prop. Before moving to Griquas I played for CUT.”

What sports do you enjoy apart from rugby: Golf, UFC, Cricket

Who was the one person that motivated, inspired, and mentored you as a young player: My Parents

Your biggest rugby hero: Ollie Le Roux

Your biggest sporting hero outside of rugby: Tyson Fury

Favourite book: La Roux gastronomique (Not a cook book, but a culinary encyclopaedia)

Favourite movie: Lion King

What type of music do you enjoy: Classics from the 70s through to the early 2000'

If you could pick your top three favourite songs, what would they be: Piano Man – Billy Joel; Don't Stop Believing – Journey; I'll Do Anything Aor Love – meatloaf

Droëwors? Biltong? Chillibites? or Vegetarian: Geelvet Biltong

Still or sparkling water? Still

Do you have a pet? Yes, I have Ben. He is a beautiful but very naughty Canadian Golden retriever we rescued from the SPCA in Bloem. He loves to dig holes and jump on me in the middle of the night.

Favourite drill in the gym or at practice: Bench Press

Least favourite exercise: Burpees

One day, after rugby ... what are your plans: To become a restaurateur and open a variety of restaurants.

Is there a quote you have read (or a song lyric or a line of poetry) that you think can motivate or influence today's youth in a positive way: “Fire in the belly and ice in the mind – as much as your heart is jumping out of your chest it's very important to be clear and calm in your thought.”