Step into the inspiring world of Barend Janse van Rensburg, second year student-athlete at the UXi Cheetahs Institute of Excellence, and a true rugby prodigy whose journey has been nothing short of incredible! Here’s a glimpse into his rugby journey with us at UXi Sport:
From the tender age of 6, Barend’s heart was set on rugby. His journey at UXi CIE is a testament to pure passion and dedication. From grueling gym sessions to epic showdowns in Stellenbosch, every moment has shaped his formidable character.
A shift in mindset marked Barend’s first game major for UXi CIE, sparking a season that challenged him to bridge the gap between school and being selected to play for Free State amateur rugby. His discipline to push beyond limits, coupled with unwavering support from coaches like Gerhard, Simon, Tebogo, Liv, and Steven, crafted his path to success.
His key takeaways? Resilience, massive work ethic, and the ability to prioritize long-term goals. Rugby not only honed his skills on the field but also imparted life lessons: the irreplaceability of hard work and the realization that victory isn’t always guaranteed.
Looking forward, Barend eyes a professional rugby contract, with dreams of coaching in the future. To those aspiring to walk a similar path, he says, “Stay humble, absorb knowledge, and push beyond the ordinary.” His legacy that he wants to leave behind at the UXi Cheetahs Institute of Excellence is that Hard work, undeterred by time, will always set you apart.
We are immensely proud of how far Barend has come in his journey and we wish him only the best of luck for his future. May it hold many more amazing opportunities!
