Sandile Ngcobo says the Blitzboks are emphasizing cutting out any and all distractions in preparation for their home assault at the weekend’s Cape Town Sevens.
Back home after a successful series-opening tournament in Dubai, the Blitzboks are aiming to end their drought in Cape Town, having last tasted success in the Mother City in 2015.
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This weekend will mark the seventh edition of the Cape Town Sevens. Since the inaugural tournament in 2015, the Blitzboks have made two finals and two semi-finals, but haven’t managed to claim the home title.
Speaking after the team arrived at their base in Cape Town on Tuesday afternoon, Blitzboks coach Ngcobo explained the key to finally getting their hands on the trophy.
“It’s about just being us and doing us,” Ngcobo said. “Since our whole pre-season camp, that was the thing, just to focus on us.
“There are a lot of distractions. We need to come back to zero and recover. We played a lot of games and the guys in our pool have all played at least one less game than us. So it’s very important for us to recover.”
Ngcobo emphasised the role played by veterans Justin Geduld and Rosko Specman, both key in helping the Blitzboks claim a landmark 11th title in Dubai.
Both Geduld and Specman were part of the 2015 team that won the Cape Town Sevens.
“It’s very important, hey. Myself and Philip [Snyman, assistant coach] played with them, so they understand what it’s like to bring the fun element or enjoyment into it. Just for the nerves to relax and understand that we’ve done this 10 weeks in a row, so there’s no way you can lose it, just go out there and enjoy it. That’s the experience that we need.
“We are still working to bring more of that and make sure there is a good combination between the fire of the youngsters and the experience and calm from the seniors.”
The Blitzboks, top on the standings after round one of eight in the SVNS, will face USA, Great Britain and Ireland in their Pool A clashes on Saturday.
For the full fixture list, CLICK HERE.
SA teams’ pool opponents on Saturday, 9 December:
Women
9,44am: France
11.56am: Canada
4.38pm: USA
Men
10.50am: Great Britain
2.12pm: USA
7.34pm: Ireland
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images