Whether his graceful dive would cause his wings to be clipped was touch and go. He still gives a slightly embarrassed laugh when he thinks about it. It was Monday, 27 February in Potchefstroom during the Varsity Cup. The North-West University (NWU) Eagles were battling the Shimlas on the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in what was to end in a 63-16 victory against the visitors from Bloem. Just before the break the ball was played along the line and landed in Naiden Jaarts’s eager hands. This wing did what all try gluttons do. He put down his head, played hare and let the defenders grab the air as he ran for the goal line. He easily crossed the chalk line, but it was not so easy for the express train to slam on the brakes. When he dove down, he nearly crossed the dead-ball line.
The try was awarded, the score was 30-9, but fingers were wagged and he was warned to plant the ball in future rather than jump like a frog.
Now the 22-year-old laughs uproariously. “I was in a bit of trouble about that. Uncle Mervyn Taylor (manager of the NWU Ruby Institute) told me I have to put the ball down next time. It was very close!”
Naiden was born in Keimoes in the heart of the Northern Cape. Keimoes – as hot as hell and as beautiful as heaven. Emerald green vines contrast starkly against the dry, arid plains where the Orange River does not reach. There where even the devil hides from the sun. From Keimoes he went to Upington High School, and then to Potch. An export product like the sultanas for which his region is so well known.
Because, at Upington High School, he caught the eye of coach Theuns Kotzé – better known as “Worsie” during his playing days at the NWU Rugby Institute – and Theuns contacted Hannes Esterhuizen, the renowned talent spotter at his alma mater. After all, Kotzé took the field for Namibia’s national team and knows a thing or two about rugby. Esterhuizen knows three or four things and had had Naiden on his radar since he saw him in a sevens competition in 2018.
Just a few years later, Naiden forms part of the NWU Eagles’ formidable backline that helped win the coveted Varsity Cup.
“As a team we have played together for a while already and we knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Coach Burger supported us, and we wanted to do the same for him,” he explains.
And not just support: The Eagles beat Ikeys in a 27-25 pressure-cooker final that would have reduced even the toughest vegetables to soup.
“During the final we were calm, we took in the day. We knew what was waiting for us, we knew Ikeys would not be a pushover. It was a great achievement and an honour to beat them.”
They stayed calm. Naiden felt that he had to redeem promises through his performance: “I was given a talent and I was blessed to be allowed to use it.” He had to say thank you: “I owe my parents (Nico and Rose) so much. They have always supported me in difficult times. Then there is also my cousin (Nakitta) here in Potch. If I struggle, I can always count on her.”
Does he want to add anything?
“No Uncle,” he says. “I am easy.”
Cool-headed.
Naiden Jaarts
