Sako Makata and Angelo Davids of the Springbok Sevens have kept their message simple ahead of the Rugby Sevens World Cup in Cape Town this weekend.
Pressure will meet privilege for Makata, 23, in the battle at Cape Town Stadium. It’s all about having fun for Davids.
The Springbok Sevens are automatically qualified for the round of 16 and will face either Germany or Chile on Friday at 19:03. The Springbok Women’s Sevens begin their campaign against France on Friday evening at 18:35.
The first game of the tournament begins at 08:45 a.m. on Friday.
“When I look back on the tournament next week, I want to know I gave it my all,” Makata said before their first game.
“Hopefully, what we do will be enough [to win], so that if we don’t, it’s not for a lack of effort and that the other team was better than us.”
Makata, who has competed in 16 World Series tournaments, went on to say:
I’ve been in tournaments where I didn’t give my all and the team won, but you look back and wonder if you could have contributed more or given more. I’ve been to tournaments where I gave it my all and we weren’t as successful, but you get the satisfaction of knowing you did your best.
He stated that pressure and privilege will be in equal measure, not only because of the format, but also because of the team’s internal and external expectations.
“It will be critical to keep emotions intact.” If you let them take over, you may lose control [of the task at hand] and forget what you prepared during the week… South Africans expect us to win the gold; it’s a burden, but it’s also an honour.
“These are the scenarios for which we train.” We’re more excited than concerned. We hope that our actions demonstrate our true character and will satisfy South Africans.”
Davids, a rugby code switcher, was equally direct in his weekend prediction, saying, “We will go out and do what the coach expects of us.” Our efforts on the field are our priority.”
The 23-year-old added that the disappointment of their previous World Series in Los Angeles will serve as motivation this weekend.
“Enjoyment is an important part of our game; when we enjoy what we do, we are unstoppable.” Fans will see players who are hungry and excited to play in front of their home fans, family, and friends.”
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