In an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport, Stellenbosch FC defender Kyle Jurgens expressed his excitement about the upcoming season and discussed several key topics:
- Spoke about Stellies captain Deano van Rooyen moving to Orlando Pirates;
- Elaborated on the team's ambition in the MTN8;
- Reflected on his Ajax Cape Town role models;
- Shared what it would mean to him to represent Bafana Bafana;
How would you describe the season that Stellenbosch FC is about to enter?
"Firstly, I would like to greet you, say hello, and thank you for having me. I'm very excited about the upcoming season and the opportunity I have. I want to thank the players and the coaches for helping me become the person I am. I'm very confident because of how we started our pre-season. We never lost a game. Going into the two CAF games against Nsingizini Hotspurs, we won by big scores. This week, we are facing Sundowns in the first and second leg. I'm confident that we will do the job because I believe in the team, the coaches, and the players."
With your captain, Van Rooyen, moving to Orlando Pirates, a spot has opened up in the defensive line. Are you going to make that spot yours?
"Firstly, I wish Deano a great season ahead. He deserves everything, and I wish him all the best. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity I'm getting, and I will take it. When I was younger, I never had this chance, so for me, I'm taking it. I'm always hungry and ready to learn and grow."
Obviously, Van Rooyen follows a number of Stellies players who have moved on to so-called greener pastures. How do you maintain the level of competitiveness while losing your key players season in and out?
"It's very sad losing good players, but at the same time, other players are even hungrier for the spot because they see it as an opportunity to cement their place. I think it's a good thing and also a bad thing, but I believe the players filling in their gaps are ready to make a good impact."
Some of those players have now moved on to Mamelodi Sundowns. How do you feel you will compare to some of your former teammates in the MTN8 first and second leg clash?
"All the games we've played against Sundowns have been head-to-head. It's been a big fight; we throw a punch, they throw a punch. I think we are preparing well. There are a lot of games coming up, but I have belief and faith in the players and the coaches for preparing us well. So, I think our team is ready to put up a big fight. I know it won’t be easy to play against any team in the league, but I think we are ready."
How far are you guys planning on going in the MTN8?
"We are ready for the kill. We want to go all the way. That's the motto."
Of course, after Sundowns, you have another CAF fixture in Ivory Coast. There's also the Betway Premiership and the Carling Cup, where you are the defending champions. How important is delivering silverware to the Stellenbosch FC family?
"It's very important for the growth of the club. We sniffed gold, so the team and the players and coaches are hungry for more. Coming third in the South African top flight in the 2023/24 season shows we can do it, so we are ready to take everything."
With some of these trophies on offer, there will be scouts in the stands. The fixtures will be televised internationally. How important is it for you to make your mark and maybe make a name for yourself?
"I would obviously give back to the team, fight hard, focus on the team, and just do my part where I can. My dream is to play abroad. I've been watching football since I was young. I always thought that overseas was so far away at that age, but now I see what the club is doing and putting me in a good space. I feel that it can come true, and as long as I believe in myself, I can achieve it."
On a more personal note, can you share with us your matchday rituals? Maybe there's a specific meal or music playlist that you have?
"In the morning, I don't really eat much. Just a small cereal because I grew up like that, so I kept it simple and didn’t change my ways and habits. For music, I like to listen to hype music, mostly KASHCPT and Don Toliver, because it gets me ready for action. Mentally, I think about my family, community, and how I can be a leader and a role model to others."
You mentioned role models. Surely, there's a footballer or somebody that you aspire to be like.
"When I grew up, I watched a lot of Keagan Buchanan. I watched him when I was younger. Then there were also many overseas-based players. Ronaldo, obviously, scoring goals. You all go crazy for him. Mostly, my father took me out to watch games. Ajax Cape Town was big at that time, so watching Keagan Buchanan made me want to be like him one day."
Finally, Bafana Bafana is gearing up for action against Uganda next week Friday. Do you want to play for the national team one day?
"I think that's everyone's dream: to play nationally and for your country. To know what you have here on your side and just for pride, enjoy, and show the country what we are about. It's mainly about giving the younger guys hope that you can reach your dreams and goals."
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