Even so, backline star Kehan Myburgh, voted the Player that Rocks against CPUT for the second year in succession, said they realised that it had been merely the first step of many.
The versatile 21-year-old contributed a personal tally of 16 points to Mandela University’s cause as they defeated Cape Peninsula University of Technology 21-7 with a disciplined performance in Cape Town.
The fourth-year financial planning student was successful with three penalties and a conversion to complement his second-half try.
Despite a sense of satisfaction within the team, the wing-come-fullback said they were keeping their feet firmly on the ground.
“We worked really hard in the build-up to the season but, to be honest, we do not see this result as a reward for that,” Myburgh explained.
“Of course, it felt nice getting the win against CPUT but that was never, and is still not, our end goal.”
He said the many hours spent on the training field were geared towards ensuring consistency in order to excel throughout the season, not just in the first match.
Nonetheless, their focus on fitness seems to have paid off handsomely in the CPUT encounter.
“That was definitely a contributing factor as to how we managed to achieve the win as it gave us the edge over them. We were fitter and used that to our advantage to be able to play faster and more structured rugby.”
Despite being one of the standout players, Myburgh has identified areas in his game that can be improved.
“I made a few mistakes and there were things I feel I could’ve done better, so I did not have a perfect game.
“I don’t think anyone has a perfect performance, but I have worked hard this week to fix these mistakes to ensure that they do not happen against the University of KwaZulu-Natal.”
One aspect is to be more assertive in his decision-making in the heat of battle. His mental game and pushing himself beyond his physical limits are others.
He has grown nicely into his role of first-choice kicker for the Gqeberha side.
“I know that there is an expectation of me to kick well because sometimes games are won by small margins. But I try not to focus on that too much.
“Instead, I just concentrate each time on my routine as that is the only thing I can control. I strongly believe in ‘control the controllables’.”
The squad have been at full tilt on the training field this week as they chase efficient execution against the KZN side in their first home game tomorrow (Friday).
“They have a strong pack, so I feel they will play a lot of rugby up front with their forwards,” Myburgh said.
“But we are ready for that and are really looking forward to our first home game.”
The match is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off.