Steven Kitshoffs Stormers exodus fast approaching

The Stormers’ captain, Steven Kitshoff, is set to bid farewell to Cape Town soon. With each game he plays in the iconic blue and white jersey, he draws closer to the end of his journey with the team.

Although the Spicy Plum’s move to Ulster after the Rugby World Cup has been known for some time, the reality of his departure is starting to sink in. This is especially true as the Stormers’ season is drawing to a close, with just a handful of fixtures that remain.

In the United Rugby Championship (URC), the Stormers will be facing off against Munster and Benneton. The latter is scheduled for 21 April, and after that, every game could potentially be Kitshoff’s last in a Stormers jersey. This is as they make the push toward a second consecutive URC final.

Do or Die for the Spicy Plum

Steven Kitshoff with the Man of the Match medal after the Stormers match against the Bulls in December 2022. — Always leading from the front. Steven Kitshoff with the Man of the Match award after the Stormers URC bout against the Bulls in December.

“For me, it is becoming a thing of do or die,” said Kitshoff at the media conference earlier in the week.

“As important as the URC final was last year, as important is this Harlequins game this weekend. Because that just extends my lifetime at the Stormers.

“Get a win this weekend, (and) I’ll have another opportunity to wear the Stormers jersey.”

Emotions Running High

According to Steven Kitshoff, the emotions are beginning to surface, particularly during the drive from the Southern parts of Cape Town to Bellville via the N1. This route offers breathtaking views of the Drakenstein mountains.

“It is becoming a bit emotional,” confirmed Kitshoff.

“Driving to the HPC (Western Province Rugby High-Performance Center) every day, (I’m) definitely going to miss the N1, luckily driving against traffic, but I’m going to miss the scenery and coming to work every day.”

The view of the Northern Suburbs from the Tygerburg Nature Reserve in Plattekloof. — The view from the Tygerberg Nature Reserve in Plattekloof – it’s similar to the view from the N1.

Passing on the Stormers scrumming torch

Kitshoff’s departure will undoubtedly leave a significant void in Cape Town. He has been a tireless worker and has developed into an exceptional leader.

Replacing him will be a daunting task, but he is doing his part by sharing his knowledge with the younger props making their way through the Western Province system.

“The nice thing is that the youngsters are willing to learn,” confirmed Kitshoff.

“They always, after (practice) come and ask questions, review the scrumming session, see where they can improve, and that’s why I feel that on a weekly basis, they become better and better.

“There’s a nice big pack of forwards, so there’s a lot of rotation, especially when it comes to the Currie Cup side. There’s a couple of props that can play there, and guys who are good enough to play Currie Cup are good enough to play in the URC, in my opinion.”

John Dobson’s blessing

Although the Stormers will be losing a valuable player who has been a crucial part of their engine room, Coach John Dobson has given his approval for the departure.

“Kitsie is off contract after the World Cup, and he’s more than earned his spurs and his credits within this union to go where he wants to,” said Dobbo in October 2022.

If that’s the case, that he is going to Ulster, it will absolutely be with our blessing. He has respected his contract and has put in so much on and off the field. He’s got plenty of credit in the bank.”

More from the Smile FM Sports Desk: Lionel Messie scores landmark 100th goal