Rugby
Getting to Know “Red Bull”, Steven Kitshoff
If you’re a sports lover, and had the privilege of watching a DHL Stormers game, you would have definitely captured the fiery “Red Bull” as he’s known.
On the field he’s a force to be reckoned with, but off the field Steven Kitshoff is one of the most gentle and genuine souls you will ever meet. A true gentle giant!
Having recently claimed his first ever Springbok Cap, Bordeaux rugby player Steven Kitshoff takes us back to where it all started.
- How long have you been playing rugby professionally and how did it all get started? I have been playing professional rugby since 2011. I was fortunate enough to get a call in my matric year, and was asked to join the DHL Stormers in their pre-season camp in November 2010.
- What is your biggest accomplishment in your sports career? Making my Springbok test debut against Ireland in Port Elizabeth. Something I will never take for granted and always be grateful for.
- What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success? Always improving my strength and fitness and working and improving scrum techniques!
- What would be your ultimate achievement? To have a successful international career as well as hopefully play many test matches. I set many goals for myself and push myself on a daily basis. I want to be the best I possibly can be.
- How do you set your goals? It’s important that I set weekly achievement goals for each weekends game. This helps me in not only being the best I can be that specific weekend but also allows me to keep improving. As far as long term goals go, I set yearly goals that I wish to achieve within a longer period of time. You never know what your career may hold, but these goals guide me and ensure I’m always heading in the direction I want to be in.
- What is your diet like? I have a very basic diet. I try to eat 3-4 healthy and balanced meals per day. More protein with limited carbs. It’s all about moderation, but I do spoil myself with a cheat meal every now and again.
- What 1-2 things do you believe differentiates you from your competitors? I would like to think I am very hard working and that shines through in my efforts but I always like to remind myself of a famous quote from Gary Player, “The harder you work, the luckier you get!”
- What was the best advice you were ever given? Never stop working toward your dream!
- Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? “Go Big or go Home”, and of course “The harder you work the luckier you get” by Gary Player.
- Where do you draw your inspiration from? Mostly from my loved ones. They keep me motivated, they keep me grounded and I would never want to disappoint the people who put their trust in me.
- If you could select one person – who do you admire most in your team and why? Schalk Burger. Just the way he gives his all each and every weekend. Very inspiring!
Follow Steven’s journey here:
https://www.facebook.com/stevenkitshoff