Speedster Seabelo Senatla is looking to add more silverware to his Commonwealth Games Gold medal with DHL Western Province.
How have things been with DHL Western Province since you joined?
“It’s a very professional set-up and the people have embraced me. Everyone has been helpful, for which I’m grateful. Province also play the kind of rugby that is suited to my strengths, so it’s been easy to slot in.”
How does the deal between DHL WP and the South African Rugby Union (Saru) work with regards to your availability?
“I’m available for the Springbok Sevens team during the International Rugby Board’s Sevens Series and then I join up with WP when the Absa Currie Cup starts. Hopefully I’ll get another opportunity to wear the WP jersey next year.”
Are you planning on eventually playing 15-man rugby only?
“Yes, I’d like to make a permanent switch after the Olympic Games in 2016. My ultimate goal is to play at the highest level in the 15-man code, but right now the focus is on Sevens rugby and DHL WP. Hopefully, I can win a Gold medal at the Olympics and then we can take it from there.”
You played superbly in the final of the Commonwealth Games Sevens. It must have been a terrific experience.
“I can’t express how awesome it was. We often come up second best against New Zealand, so it was great to beat them. Our approach in the tournament was to take it one game at a time and play to the best of our abilities. In the final we gave it our all, took every chance and left nothing out there.”
Tell us about your background and how you were shaped as a rugby player.
“I was born in Welkom and, as a youngster, I only played rugby socially. I loved running around and playing any sport, but was mostly focused on soccer and athletics. I went to the Harmony Sports Academy in Virginia after school and that is where I really started to focus on rugby. I represented the Griffons at the U16 Grant Khomo Week, at the U18 Academy Week and also at U19 level. I went to the Central University of Technology and then represented the Free State Cheetahs at U19 and U21 level. I then played for the Springbok Sevens team and moved to WP.”
Does sport run in the family?
“I think I get my sporting talent from my mother. She was a good netball player.”
What do your folks do for a living?
“My mom works at the Department of Education and my dad is an officer in the South African Police Service in Welkom. I grew up in quite a disciplined environment with a policeman and educator in the house! I’m grateful for that because it helped me with my rugby. People have a certain degree of respect for you when you are disciplined and able to deal with situations.”
Did it come as a surprise when you were included in the DHL Stormers squad in the latter stages of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament?
“It came as a surprise, but I’d secretly hoped I would play a bit as there were two games left after I completed my Sevens duties. I was so happy when Allister (Coetzee) called me up to train with the DHL Stormers. It’s the highest level at which you can play before Test rugby, so it was a real privilege.”
What do you still want to achieve this year after winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and playing for the DHL Stormers?
“I’d love to win silverware with DHL WP in the Absa Currie Cup before the Sevens season starts again. I’d like to give back to WP for the amount of time they’ve invested in me.”
Have you made a lot of good friends at WP already?
“The guys here are terrific and I actually knew many of them before I came, which made it easy for me. Alistair Vermaak was also at the Harmony Academy, while I knew Juan de Jongh, Kurt Coleman, Damian de Allende, Scarra Ntubeni and Siya Kolisi. I’ve enjoyed making new friends too.”
What goals has the team set?
“If you play in a competition, the ultimate goal is always to win it. We’d also like to carry momentum into next year’s Super Rugby tournament.”
Do you have interests outside of rugby?
“There isn’t anything specific. I just enjoy relaxing and having some time to myself to take my mind off rugby.”
DHL Western Province Matchday Magazine
