Gerrit Dixon - Wesbank Captain

Player Profile

Wesbank of Malmesbury play their derby match against Schoonspruit of Malmesbury on Saturday, an FNB Classic Clash. Gerrit Dixon captains Wesbank.

The fickle Cape weather has played havoc with many a sporting event over the years and Wesbank captain Gerrit Dixon is hoping it does not rain on his parade come Saturday.

Malmesbury was battling drought a few month back as farmers saw their crops all but ruined. The winter rain is therefore very welcome in these parts but one attacking midfielder is hoping for a dry field on Saturday.

Gerrit is the captain and inside centre for Wesbank. Coach Hennie Klaase describes Gerrit as a very strong leader who has held his team together admirably this season. Having played Sevens for Boland Under-19 Gerrit also has all the necessary skills and flair on the ball to make a difference to any team.

Gerrit was born in Malmesbury on 10 July 1986 and he attended a local primary school, Liebenberg Junior School. He will be studying at the University of the Western Cape in 2006 and looks up to a player from that region as his rugby idol. Bellville-Tech and Western Province flanker David Hendricks is the man Gerrit says he would like to emulate. He says David plays like Schalk Burger, another player he clearly admires.

Gerrit was at pains to emphasise that his backline are his team’s most potent weapon, hence his high hopes for a dry field. He clearly has faith in the men around him as he says his pack must just get the ball to the flyhalf and things will begin to happen from there.

Like any final year schoolboy Gerrit is looking forward to this weekend's derby with more than just a little anticipation. His nerves will settle much sooner though if he wakes up to clear blue skies on Saturday morning!