Ockert Johannes van Schalkwyk, a hidden star in Boksburg’s sports fraternity, recently had a chat with the Advertiser.
The freelance television Afrikaans rugby commentator for giant television network SuperSport was born in Pretoria where he also completed his primary school career.
His high school career was completed in Mpumalanga. He started off at Barberton High School before moving on to Hoërskool Lydenburg where he matriculated.
Quizzed on his journey to the World of Champions, the professional educator said: “I got involved with SuperSport during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. I won a competition named ‘Gladdebek’ that was presented on the SuperRugby program on Kyknet.
“Countrywide auditions were held in our capital cities. During the World Cup, I commentated the semi-final between Wales and France. Since then, I’ve been involved in the Currie Cup, Community Cup, Super Rugby and FNB Classic Clashes.”
Van Schalkwyk earned his higher education diploma in teaching at the University of Pretoria where he also studied theology.
- Commentating highlights
In 2011, the Witkoppie Ridge resident worked on his career highlight when he called the Rugby World Cup semi-final.
His standout matches also include a first division Currie Cup final where the Griffons took on the Leopards.
Van Schalkwyk also considers the 2015 Cell C Community Cup final between the then defending champs Rustenburg Impala and Durbanville-Belville, collectively known as Durbell, as a career standout.
A Super Rugby local derby between the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks was also mentioned.
He first commentated as a 14-year-old during a First Team rugby match where his school Barberton High hosted Hoërskool Swartland.
- Tips for aspiring commentators
Van Schalkwyk could not stress enough how bias was a no-no in his field before offering advice to up-and-coming and aspirant commentators of rugby.
“Afrikaans viewers want sound knowledge of the game, good vocabulary and no slang.
“And radio commentating and TV commentating are two different worlds. Radio requires one to be a descriptive commentator while TV is more about analytical commentating. There is no need to tell viewers things they can see for themselves on their screens.”
- Best players and clubs
“Paarl Boys is definitely the best on a school level,” he said, after being asked for his opinion on the best rugby schools in the country.
Grey College and Affies (Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool) completed Van Schalkwyk’s top three.
“The heartbeat of South African rugby, however, comprises the Lions and the Sharks.”
- University: Tuks (University of Pretoria) and Maties (Stellenbosch University).
- Club level: Rustenburg Impala, College Rovers (Durban) and QBR (Pretoria).
- Favourite promising players: Lionel Mapoe and Aphiwe Dyantyi.
- Personal favourite: Warrick Gelant
- All-time favourite player: Naas Botha
- All-time best versatile player: Johan Heunis
- All-time Springbok half-back combination: Tommy du Plessis and Naas Botha
- Favourite sport to watch: athletics
- Favourite sport to play: cricket
- Favourite sport to talk: rugby
Biggest sporting achievements
Van Schalkwyk completed his first Comrades Marathon in 1986 when he was in matric.
He went on to complete in 15 more Comrades and achieved his green number in the process, for completing 10 of them.
Van Schalkwyk’s future goal is hardly surprising as a rugby man…he wants to call a Springbok game. – @SabeloBoksburg
