Hartzenberg has Varsity Cup mountain to climb
● Suleiman Hartzenberg has blazed a trail through junior rugby but the rookie centre’s biggest test arrives tomorrow in the semifinal of the Varsity Cup.
His UCT Ikeys team squares up against traditional foes Maties (Stellenbosch), while table-topping Shimlas (Free State) face Tukkies (Pretoria) in the other semifinal.
Hartzenberg, who cut his rugby teeth at Bishops (Diocesan College), has had his first taste of senior rugby this year and he is savouring the experience. He has delivered some barnstorming performances in the Varsity Cup, most notably in the historic league win over Maties.
While Hartzenberg has made the transition look easy, he admits the adjustment to senior rugby takes getting used to. “I have been finding my feet as the competition has progressed,” said the outside centre. “I then started doing better. I have now learnt how to play with older guys. It has been a challenge but I’ve loved it. For me it is about adapting to new things.”
Running with the big boys
Though he is playing with the big boys, he still wants to have fun. “I always play for the love of the game. No matter the result, whatever it is, I’d be happy as long as I enjoy myself.
“Winning does help though,” he quickly added.
He has much to live up to. Two of his six brothers, Yaya and Munier, have played for Western Province and Griquas, respectively. Munier, who is on the cusp of moving to the Cheetahs, won the Varsity Cup with Maties in 2019.
Naturally Hartzenberg wants to emulate his brother. “It would be great if I can win the Varsity Cup in my first year. Not a lot of people can say that. We’ve mentioned it but it is not a focus.”
Being in a sporting family brings expectations but it also gives him access to receptive ears and counsel. “There’s a balance you have to maintain between sport and academics. That’s why this year has been crucial. It is tough to manage the varsity time and rugby,” said Hartzenberg, who is studying for a bachelor’s degree in the humanities.
He said the family’s sporting prowess helped open doors. “We are not the wealthiest people but it has helped us. It has helped groom us into the people we are today.”
The rookie, who spent some of his formative years on the wing, wants to focus on centre but he is a pragmatist. “I know along the way there will be challenges and competition because more experienced players would be ahead of me.”
He prefers outside centre because it offers him space. Besides, two players he really looked up to wore the No 13 jersey: “Sonny Bill Williams because of what he stands for on and off the field. Also Jaque Fourie. They can be direct but can also offload.”
He admires Williams not just for his circus acts. The All Black speaks out against injustice. “I think you’ll reach a point where you do need to say something. Sometimes, though, it is hard to express a political view. If it is about religion and values then it is a different story.”
Mostly, though, he wants to express himself on the field and become a Springbok. Hartzenberg, however, knows he has a few more mountains to climb.