Give him more challenges and responsibility, and you see the very best of Kian Rademeyer.
Whether it is captaining the first rugby team of Pearson High, fighting for a spot in the Craven Week side, performing in athletics, or trying to balance sport and schoolwork, Rademeyer will always give it a full go.
Rugby at Pearson is on the up, and under the captaincy of Rademeyer the Gqeberha team has been producing some fine performances against quality opposition this year.
“I feel excited and proud to be part of this period in Pearson’s rugby. I love the rugby environment at the school,” the matric learner explained.
Rademeyer says he enjoys being the leader of the first team.
“I would describe myself as a democratic leader. I encourage people to participate and give their opinions about a situation, and then try and make the best of it.”
It is a really busy time of the year for the top school rugby players in Nelson Mandela Bay. There are some tough inter-school matches to negotiate, but also important Eastern Province trial matches. Players can’t afford not to give their best in every match.
For the 18-year-old prop it is no problem to be motivated for both challenges.
“I like a challenge like this. The school matches and the provincial setup are also two different environments, different atmospheres. I am honoured to be part of both,” said Rademeyer.
He added that his immediate aim is to be selected for the EP Craven Week side.
A prop’s primary task remains solid scrummaging, and Rademeyer doesn’t shy away from that.
He also loves to carry the ball and test the opposition’s defenders. Then he is also keen to harass his opponents with those big hits on defence.
Rademeyer reckons one of his strengths on the rugby field is his “never say die” attitude.
It is no wonder then who he names as the Springbok who makes the biggest impression on him, flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit.
“Even though I am a prop, I enjoy how he plays the game.”
Rademeyer said his primary school coach, Malcolm Cunningham, taught him a lot about the game.
“He still helps me, which I am grateful for. Mr Christiaan van Schalkwyk (head of rugby at Pearson) is also a mentor to me.”
Rademeyer acknowledges that it can get tough to balance his sport activities; he also has provincial colours for shotput, and school work in his matric year.
He feels it is just a matter of time management. His never-say-die attitude will no doubt make things a lot easier for this Pearson star.
Rademeyer will lead Pearson in Kariega on Saturday, in the match against Daniel Pienaar.
The fixtures:
Daniel Pienaar v Pearson; Nico Malan v Graeme College; St Andrew’s College v Grey High; Framesby v Marlow; Muir College v Kingswood College.
