‘Sweef’ chats to the Advertiser about Johnny Wilkinson and his love for tattoos
The Advertiser had a chat with the new United flyer, who’s a like-for-like replacement for another speedster, Cameron Lentoor, who left the club after last season.
East Rand United has brought in new recruitment to strengthen what was already a loaded squad and to increase their depth for what was always going to be a challenging season.
Scheduled to compete in the Valke Peregrine League, the Carlton League and the Gold Cup, the club didn’t just need quantity within its ranks but quality too and in former Brakpan winger Leon ‘Sweef’ Potgieter, the Reiger Park outfit has acquired a quality player.
Sweef talks about Lentoor, who he enjoyed a personal duel with while the former was still in the green and white of Brakpan, tattoos and his idols in the game to list a few.
- Where are you from?
Dalpark 11, Brakpan.
- Why did you move to East Rand United?
Better coaches and the club has a great vibe: new people, new culture, new fans. I also got a better offer.
- Where did you play before Brakpan?
I played for the Blue Bulls sevens, and then before that I played at UJ, Young Guns and Lions sevens.
- How did the nickname Sweef come about and what does it mean?
It’s a nickname from high school which came about because of my speed. In Afrikaans we say: ‘Sweef soos ’n arend’ meaning fly like an eagle.
- I remember seeing you in an East Rand United vs Brakpan match – I think last year. I had always thought that Cameron Lentoor was the fastest wing in the Peregrine League until I saw you chase him down.
Lentoor is fast no doubt it, but I’m average – I’m just trying to play good rugby. I just prefer keeping my head below the water and staying humble.
- I liked the under surface rivalry you two had, it was entertaining to watch…
Yes, there was competition and rivalry definitely, but it was good rugby.
- When did you start playing rugby?
Grade One, Rooivalkie rugby.
- Which high school did you go to?
Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen.
- What do you do outside of rugby?
I’m a teacher at Laerskool Brakpan Oos and I’m studying through Unisa.
- I’m going to guess that you were also a sprinter at school, which other sports did you play?
Yes, I did sprints at school but just to keep my speed for rugby. I also played cricket and rugby.
- Who is your favourite rugby player?
It must be Jonny Wilkinson: cool, calm and collected rugby player; and Francois Hougaard: built, quick and skilled rugby player.
- Since playing in the Peregrine League, who would you say has been your toughest one-on-one opponent over the years?
Hmm…tricky question. Well, give me space and I’m around you with speed but Danie Malan had my number I would say. He played for Vereeniging but I think he’s in Middelburg now.
- What’s the story behind your love for tattoos?
Well, I was scared of it now it’s an addiction. A nicely built guy with tattoos looks good and every tattoo has a story to tell, so I want them to show and tell the stories.
- How many do you have so far?
Six.
- Talking about a nicely built guy, how often do you train and when did you start?
I’m at the gym five times a week and Sundays I stretch. I started seven years ago.
- What’s your favourite meal?
Well, cheat meals: sweets, sushi, burgers and pizza.
- So you don’t just eat anything, you stick to strict diets?
No, I eat what I want and whenever I want – no diet for me thank you.
- What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Gym, and just socialising with friends and family.
- What’s your favourite quote?
“When you train hard, you will not only be hard but hard to beat.”
- What’s your all-time favourite movie?
Never Back Down and Saving Private Ryan.
- Wing is obviously your position, which other positions can you play in?
Fullback and outside centre. – @SabeloBoksburg
