One of the stand-out things that gives Club President Charl Cronjé a sense of pride is being awarded Honorary Lifelong Membership to Maties Rugby – a club and a game that he believes has shaped his life.
To the corporate world he is known as a transformative and innovative business leader; at Maties Rugby he is a visionary and dedicated former Vice-President and President; but to the legendary Doc Craven, he was affectionately known as “Erdwurm” (Earthworm) because of his ability to get under the action to dig out the ball.
“I started out as a lock when I joined the senior team but Doc said I was too small and too slow, so he put me in as a No7,” recalls Cronjé. “I’m still working on my speed…”
Cronje grew up in Malmesbury (“I lost my bray long ago,” he says) and his childhood dream was to play for Maties. For this he needed to enrol at Stellenbosch University. After completing his compulsory military service at the time, he secured a loan and set off for Eikestad in 1980 where he took up residence in Eendrag.
“I did not care what I studied. I just had to study something and pass well enough to play,” he says. “Rugby was my focus and in my first year I got into the U20 team and ran out beaming into the Danie Craven Stadium for the first time.”
Cronjé was also selected for the Western Province U20 squad and got to run out at Newlands too. Later in the 1990s, he captained the WP Seniors. Thankfully he passed his first year exams, and in second year he joined Maties Seniors, for which he played over 120 games – a record he held until it was beaten by Louis Blom years after he retired from play.
“At the end of my third year, I still wanted to play as a student, so I selected what I considered to be the easiest post grad course – after all, it was simply a means to keep playing with the team. Who knew that Industrial Psychology would become my (other) passion and that it would serve as the trajectory for my career!”
That stellar career saw Cronje retiring as CEO of Ackermans three years ago after dramatically transforming the retail business. He now serves on a number of Boards as a non-executive director.
While a student, Cronjé formed a close relationship with Doc Craven, whom he considers his greatest mentor. “A bursary awarded me the flat next to the now Rugby Museum at Jannie Marais House. At times during the day, Doc would invite me into his office where we talked all things rugby. Then sometimes he would visit me in my flat where we would eat my mother’s rusks and talk everything other than rugby. He had a PhD in Psychology, so the conversations were broad and fascinating.”
After finally graduating for good, Cronjé chose to continue to play for Maties as a non-student – something you could do back then, provided you did not play inter-varsity competitions. This was even though he was married and lived in Bellville. “Doc told me to play where my heart was, so I stayed with Maties until joining Bellville – and returned to the DC stadium packed with old Maties … and winning the match!”
But Once a Matie, Always a Matie and he returned not only to Stellenbosch but also to give back to a Club.
As President, he is a strong supporter of the past but believes one must focus on innovation and evolution which are fundamental to the growth of any organisation. “Maties Rugby is the most aspirational and inspirational brand with heroes from the past, the present and destined for the future.
“Our Club has a well-defined vision: to be the best student rugby club globally that is also known for academic excellence. Rugby is the most powerful uniter of diversity. The Springboks can do it for South Africa, and Maties Rugby can do it for Stellenbosch,” he says.
On the subject of how the game has changed for student-athletes, Cronjé says that his cohort would never have been able to keep up with the demands that are expected of players today. “We did train but it was nothing like it is today. Today our players are pushed hard – mainly because they don’t actually have a season … it’s training for Varsity Cup, then competition, then USSA and in between it is League. Also, they can’t fly under the radar academically either – student athletes are expected to excel both on and off the field.”
Cronjé, who keeps fit mountain biking and playing golf, does not hold anyone up to icon-status. “I learn from everyone and copy no one. If you copy, you lose your authenticity. I believe in inclusivity and transparency. Always ask ‘why’, and live life to the full by applying your God-given talents to the benefit of all,” he says.
