SPORT
(Belgium), I work in close collaboration with Prof. Ian
Rothmann and his colleagues at the research unit Optentia. Prof. Rothmann invited me for a short research
stay wherein I had the time and opportunity to collect
data and to interact with other scholars at Vaal Triangle
Campus.
What was your overall impression about South Africa, in particular North West University (Vaal Triangle
Campus)?
I think South Africa is a very warm country, both in terms
of the weather and the people. Even though everybody
told me ‘winter is coming’, to me the weather was brilliant! Also, every South African that I met was extremely
friendly to me, I easily made friends and I really enjoyed
their company. Vaal Triangle Campus looks like a very
quiet campus. Not a lot is happening, but the biggest
advantage of this relaxed atmosphere is the beautiful
nature. My favorite activity was walking around to the
river side, watching the game and just chilling around.
What course are you currently studying and what
brought you to South Africa in the first place?
Apart from the touristic attractions, South Africa seemed
like a fascinating country with 11 different language
groups and even more cultural groups. I’m studying Social Psychology, so for me, it is very interesting to see
how all different groups interact and how the country
has evolved from a regime of discrimination towards a
true multicultural society.
On the ball
First and foremost, congratulations on behalf of
your country on their qualification for Brazil. Despite not featuring in the past two editions of the
World Cup, do you think your Belgium can be the
surprise package in Brazil?
That is an interesting question. I think other countries
consider us as outsiders, they’re a bit afraid of us. In the
past, we never got further than semi-finals, but this generation is extraordinary, I hope we perform well and kick
out a big favorite such as Portugal or Germany. Soccer
is full of surprises, so you never know what will happen…
Belgium has been blessed with a golden generation
of footballers with most of them plying their trade
in the English Premier League, does it put them in
a favourable position? Are they legitimate title contenders?
Indeed, most Belgian internationals play in the top
leagues in the world, they’ve been playing in the Champions League and the Europe Cup, and most importantly, they’re used to the pressure. If all players perform at
their best level, we have a great team that will be difficult
to beat!
Your squad boasts a mixture of star-studded veterans with young prospects such as Vincent Kompany, Daniel van Buyten, Eden Hazard and Kevin
Mirralas, many will argue that you guys look good
on paper and considering your inexperience in
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competing in major tournaments they might have a
point, do you think that could count against you?
Well, Van Buyten has played the World Cup 2002, and
our coach (Marc Wilmots) was also part of the national
team back then. Their experience might play a key role,
they can be the guides leading our youngsters (Hazard,
Kompany …) to the top of their abilities. As you say, for
almost all players, it’s their first big tournament, and
they’ll be stressed. Nonetheless, I think they’re ready for
it, this is the year where we can harvest!
Finally, history has proven in the past that European teams traditionally find it hard to adapt in South
America, do you think there might be change of fortune this time around?
Belgium is a flat country where the temperatures are
very mild in summer. Brazil, on the other hand, has a
subtropical climate and some stadiums are located at
1000 meters above sea level… That will definitely be an
adaptation for the Red Devils, but as their name states,
the Devils can kick ass everywhere!
Before we let you go, is there anything you would
like to say to NWU (vaal) students?
I wish them all the best, they must cherish their beautiful
campus, enjoy their student time, work hard and play
hard. And after their studies, all of them must visit Belgium, I’ll show them around just like I’ve been taken care
of around here. Thanks everyone and take care!
My brother, it’s been a pleasure talking to you and all the
best going forward.
Quick one two’s
Apple or Blackberry? Apple
Messi or Ronaldo? Hazard is the future
Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola? Guardiola, for sure!
His soccer is much more attractive then José’s…
EPL or La liga? EPL, they have 8-10 great teams competing for the title, whereas in Spain, there are only 3
major teams…
Coutoirs or Mignolet? Courtois, he’s our number one,
he scores 10/10, Mignolet scores 9,5/10.