Captain's profile: Fanie Maré

With a 32-21 victory in the 2015 Classic Clash fresh on his mind, Maré is expecting a high tempo encounter which has become synonymous with this derby game.

"One thing that has come from the past Classic Clashes is that the match will be played at a really high tempo and this match is certainly going to be no different. Of the previous two encounters, both schools have won a game each.

"We won the 2015 match and will certainly look to replicate that result this time around. We have a relatively young team because we lost two senior players at the beginning of the season. However, the young players who have come into the team have taken the opportunity handed to them and have made the best of it," Maré said.

The 18-year-old grade 12 learner, who was part of the victorious 2015 Classic Clash team, has his eyes firmly set on creating a positive environment for his team to strive in.

"As a captain I am always positive and am fully focussed on creating a positive environment for the team to play in. By having that environment, I believe the team will strive and play to the best of their ability.

"A captain needs to have the ability to put the teams' needs above his own and that is what I feel I am able to do. Captaining this team is a huge privilege and honour and I am very humble for being handed this opportunity.

"In my opinion, I know that for us to be successful on Saturday, we will need to believe in each other and play for our school [Klerksdorp] with pride," he added.

The hooker has previously represented the Leopards and feels extremely privileged to have played the sport at provincial level while making new friends in the process. However, he stated that the highlight of his career has been representing his school at first XV level as he feels he is school's ambassador each time he steps onto the field.

Maré will be heading to the North West University in 2017 to pursue a degree in BComm Accounting.