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7 Minutes with Pedri Wannenburg |
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Monday, 01 March 2010 15:57 |
  How long have you been living in Pretoria?
I grew up on a lovely farm in Oudtshoorn with the name Schoongezicht where my parents stay to this day. I was very privileged to get a contract with the Blue Bull’s Rugby Union and I moved to Pretoria to further my career 9 years ago.
What do you love most about Pretoria?
Pretoria is a city but not a city, if you know what I mean. It’s got all the perks of a big city but also has all the great qualities of living in a “plattelandse dorpie”. Everyone knows each other and people are overall very friendly and compassionate.
Where is your favourite hang out in Pretoria?
I love to have a nice dinner with friends and family at restaurants like Pacha’s and Crawdaddy’s. The food is out of this world, the service great and the atmosphere even better.
I’ve heard from a very unreliable source that you have mastered the art of the forehead chop…tell us a bit about this.
[Lots of laughs] That is right. One of my crazy friends taught it to me. You simply straighten your hand, focus on the person’s forehead and then chop them as fast as you can! People hate it. My friend used to do it to me all the time until I realized that you just have to be faster and cleverer than her. I then added the throat slice. No further comment. [More laughs]
Recently, you have fallen target to brutal attacks of criticism by the media and general public after it was reported that you suffered from both drug and alcohol abuse. We are all human and we all make mistakes. How do you pick yourself up, stay focused and positive amidst such negativity?
I am very privileged to have true friends and a wonderfully supportive family. I will continue to surround me with positive people. The other most important thing is too stay on your knees and believe that God will take you through this.
To date, the Bulls are still top of the log (GO BULLS!), and you are playing the Highlanders this coming Saturday. What type of game plan will you be using to secure your win?
We will do what we always do and focus on our game and not so much on theirs’. We will try to push them into the corners and keep them in their half of the field.
Can we expect to see Pedri Wannenburg in the Green and Gold this year?
Obviously it is a dream that all rugby players share. I will always dream about it, but for now I am focusing on my game...and hoping. |
