Fiery loose-forward Renaldo Bothma has made a huge impact for Namibia since making his debut for the Welwitchias against the Blue Bulls two years ago.
He won the man of the match award in that match and since then has become an integral part of the national side, with his barnstorming runs and high work-rate.
This year he had a great season for the Sharks, and had he not decided to represent Namibia, he could well have become a Springbok. But Bothma, who’s mother was born in Namibia, stands by his decision, saying it was the best one he could have made.
“At the time I didn’t think I’d make the Springbok squad, but I had a good Super 15 campaign this year and there was talk that I could have made the Bok squad, but I made that decision and I stand 100 percent by it. I’ve never regretted it, I’ve made a lot of new friends and I like the coaches and the people of Namibia. I’ve fallen in love with the country and I’ve made the best of the opportunity presented to me,” he said.
Bothma grew up on a farm outside Heidelberg and as long as he can remember he was crazy about rugby.
“I always used to play outdoors and I always had a rugby ball with me, from the morning till the evening. Even at school, everyone knew me as the guy with the rugby ball,” he said.
In his final years at school he played for the Falcons at Craven Week and was then awarded a bursary by the Sharks Academy. He moved to Durban and represented the u19 and u21 Sharks teams but by 2010 he was on the move again, this time to Johannesburg after getting a contract with the Lions.
He represented the Lions in the Currie Cup and also played a few Super 15 matches but broke his ankle and was out injured for close to a season.
When he returned he decided to join the Lions’ feeder team the Falcons and became one of their standout players, helping them to win the Currie Cup first division in 2013.
His progress was being noticed and in the same year he was selected for the South African Presidents team that went on to win the Tbilisi Cup in Georgia.
When Namibia’s former national coach Danie Vermeulen however contacted Bothma and offered him an opportunity to play for Namibia, he didn’t take long to make up his mind, and has since become one of Namibia’s top players.
He made his international debut against Kenya last year and then played a crucial role in helping Namibia qualify for the World Cup when he scored four tries in their 89-10 victory against Madagascar.
“We knew we needed to win by 63 points in our last game against Madagascar and everyone just believed that we could do it and something amazing happened that day. Everything just went into our favour and its definitely one of the greatest memories I have as a rugby player. To have so much pressure on you and still to come out on top is a great achievement,” he said.
This season Bothma joined the Sharks and had a great season for them in the Super 15 competition, where he scored one try in 15 matches and also won the man of the match award against the Western Force.
Bothma will be a key player in Namibia’s quest at the Rugby World Cup and he is looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s going to be a big challenge but the guys are very committed. I think it’s going to be a big year for Namibia – some people are saying it’s one of the best teams Namibia has ever had and there are high expectations of us to win a match or two at the World Cup. So it’s a great challenge and inspires us a lot to reach that goal,” he said.
One on One with Renaldo Bothma
When and where were you born?
18 September 1989 in Alberton, South Africa.
Which schools did you attend?
Grootvlei Primary School and Volkskool Heidelberg High School.
Who had a big influence on you as a child?
I wouldn’t say anyone had a big influence on me, my whole family supported me, but everything I achieved was through my own hard work and dedication.
Who was your favourite player?
The South African flanker Schalk Burger was an icon for me – I always found his playing style fascinating and I always tried to play like him.
What team did you support as a youngster?
What was your most memorable performance?
That’s a tough one but I think it was when I played for the Sharks against Western Force in the Super 15 in Durban this year. We won the match and I won the man of the match award so that was a good memory. Then last year in my 50th match for the Pumas against the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup in Bloemfontein I also won the man of the match award so I think those two matches stand out for me.
What do you like to eat and drink?
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