Cape Town’s Man Of The Cloth: Marco Riekstins
I first stumbled upon Man Of The Cloth when I was searching for the Blue Blood store in Cape Town, and since then it’s become one of my must read websites when it comes to fashion advice. Knowing that it is local and Cape Town based means the content is even more targeted to exactly what I like, and what can be found in Cape Town.
So we threw a couple of questions at Man Of The Cloth author, Marco, and he threw some answers right back at me! Sit down and read this through if you want to know what’s going down in fashion. After you’ve read it, you’re already 35% cooler (As ekke):
Name: Marco Riekstins
Age: 25
Profession: Stylist, Blogger, Capetonian
Lives in: Cape Town
Your average day, broken down…?
An early start and a fresh pot of coffee are essential for blog days. I spend hours reading other blogs and surfing all the social media spots so that I have both content and constant knowledge of what’s going on. After many, many hours I get up and go to gym, have some lunch at Jardine on Bree and walk to Long Street perhaps for inspiration. It all depends on the day.
What attracted you to the fashion world?
I was desperate to be in this new world of fashion that I was introduced to in London. Back then I thought Abercrombie & Fitch was fashionable. When I moved back I got into retail and with free uniform allowances and discounts I started building a wardrobe so that I could be cool like my colleagues.
Your top three best dressed male celebrities, and why you think they are the best dressed…as often being well dressed transcends money and access to major fashion brands…(Confidence etc)
Ryan Reynolds is a fantastic example of Red Carpet coolness. He likes the three-piece combo but it’s always stylish and sleek and his hair is a perfect coiff.
There aren’t many celebrity males who go all out or have a stand out look. Tom Ford would be too easy because he only wears Black with White shirts. It’s his signature. But Johnny Depp is surely one of the men with personal style. He is a Hollywood rebel and manages to look more chic and off-beat than any other celebrity.
Johnny Depp: Anything he doesn’t look good in?
My first choice will definitely be Kanye West — but I have strong feelings against him on a personal level. He can be so ego-driven that it puts me off (and I’m sure many others agree). His style is so forward. He showed that rappers don’t have to follow the cookie cutter mould. Something they should have realized years ago. I like Black Eyed Peas style too.
Kanye “I’mma let you finish” West
For a guy in Cape Town, wanting to dress well on a budget, what are your suggestions as to styles to wear, and where to buy clothes?
As far as casual wear I think that Markham and Woolworths are really getting it right for the first time. Country Road and Trenery even more so. Basics are imperative. As long as you wear good basics you can afford to spend time saving for the items that will enhance them.
Then on the other hand, someone comes to you with an unlimited budget for fashion shopping in Cape Town, where are you going to take them, and what are you going to buy?
Burberry, Loading Bay and Blueblood, Paul Smith… there are a couple items at Gucci that are quite nice. But it all depends on who the person is. I wouldn’t take a 52 year old and put him in skinny jeans and low V t-shirt. I could have an awesome time kitting some out though.
Besides Crocs (I hope you agree…!), what are the other things that men should never wear?
I should start a non-profit organisation against Afghan Scarves and Crocs. In fact I started a group on Facebook called the Anti-Crocs movement a long time ago. What’s wrong with a pair of Havaiana’s? My next big DON’T is the white shoes and belt combo. It’s never okay. Sorry. If you’re going to, rather cut it with a brown belt. That works well with All Stars.
Have you got any favourite scents for summer?
Gucci II Summer is a fantastic fragrance. It’s fresh and a little sweet but perfect for Cape Town Summers. I wore Tom Ford for December 07 and it takes me back there every time. My favorite though and the main one I wear is Marc Jacobs. It’s so different and I get a lot of compliments with it.
On that note, what do you think of more floral fragrances (If that the right word to use) for men, such as D&G Light Blue? Are these going to be popular?
Light Blue has been around for a long time though. Their new range is floral inspired but it’s all natural scents and it’s not marketed around flowers and white linen pants- it’s the kind of scent you wear after a shower. Clean is important. You want that after-shower smell. You should really take time trying fragrances and see what suits you. Rather buy one good EDT than a basket of canned deodorant or random fragrances. Also try go for something you wouldn’t normally go for. There are enough men wearing Davidoff, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Issey Miyake. Really.
Mens grooming has come a long way, and pretty much every guy now owns a moisturiser of sorts, often amongst many other men specific products. Have you got a favourite mens grooming range that you’d recommend?
You can’t go wrong with the Nivea for men range. But a guy should ask the counters what is recommended for their own skin. If you have oily skin it’s pointless buying a normal face wash because you’re embarrassed to ask. They will be able to assist you perfectly.
Wet shave vs dry shave debate, where do you stand?
I have a short beard but I keep it neat with a beard trimmer and I cut the edge around my neck where the beard ends and I wet shave the rest. Wet shaves give moisture . I recently had a wet shave at Mr. Cobbs barber and if I didn’t prefer a beard I would go regularly because it’s a treat.
Do you think there will always be a demand for high end designer goods, or do you think with the way the world is going, people are going to start looking towards more personal, local boutique brands?
High-End brands on a local front aren’t going anywhere. And also because some people associate them with success. I like high-end brands but I think the idea is that you can buy something cheap and incorporate it with a high end basic like a good jacket or jeans.
A lot of regular people watch fashion TV and wonder what the point of the runway shows is, because some of the clothing is just so outrageous that no one would ever wear it, what is the real purpose of runway shows?
Designers like Vivienne Westwood and Gaultier are artists and so when their shows open the idea is to WOW and shock people. Besides if you watched a show with just a pair of jeans and a T-shirt there wouldn’t be a reason to keep watching season after season. Many Fashion Houses display their higher -end products for the runway and sell ready-to-wear products in-store.
Runway Shows: Bruno Bruno!
There always seems to be a ‘look’ in fashion, if someone is aspiring to be a fashion model in Cape Town, what is the ‘look’ right now? I was paging through a British GQ and all the male models seem to be skinny, whereas in SA it seems to be more about the well built look. Do guys need to be lifting weights to get into modelling now?
Our boys are picked up for their natural boy-next door looks. Overseas the big designers tend to use emaciated boys with sunken cheeks and odd looks because they are more high-fashion. They make the clothes more serious. Whereas Dsquared2 and Dolce & Gabanna use sex to sell. And it works. But I think the return of the 90’s male “Adonis” is back. Like David Gandy. The skinny look will probably make it’s way out soon.
I thought the GQ best dressed men awards in SA last year were a little bit narrow minded. Do you have any thoughts on the awards? Any ideas for improvement like maybe more reader involvement?
There were a few obvious choices. But I suppose they were considering the over-all package as well and how successful they were on other levels. With the photo shoots I think a more organic approach could have been taken. Have the top ten in their own environment, favorite coffee shops, on the beach in a suit… wherever! A studio shoot is a bit dull.
When you’re overseas, where are you going to be shopping for clothes?
Harrods, Selfridges, Top Shop, H&M, Harvey Nichols in London. The department stores carry everything you need and they’re full of young stylish staff that will help you choose something modern.
What do you feel about staff service in high end stores in SA compared to overseas? I bought a pair of G-Star jeans at Cavendish and the staff were super helpful and I was just wearing a t-shirt and cargo pants. Then Fabiani in the Waterfront virtually did not offer any help at all when I walked in in the same gear…
When I worked in Harrods a toothless American Hick walked up to me and bought for the entire value of my target. Never underestimate the power of a black Amex. G-star were trained very well. In fact there are a few stores that impress me with their salesmanship but Fabiani I’m afraid to say has to step up. I’ve heard a few similar complaints.
We’re in another pumping summer in Cape Town, what are your summer essentials?
Short-shorts, my sunglasses and as much sun as I can manage to absorb. I’m not too fussed on Summer style in Cape Town because it’s just too hot to dress-up. So I go for the coolest alternatives. Long Vests are in!
Ray Ban Wayfarers, hot or not? Or just too common now?
Erm.. Hard to say because I own an awesome pair of fold-up wayfarers and I can’t part with them. I’d say the basic ones in their vintage design are best. The colourful ones are great for the younger boys and girls. I am trying to find another pair though, and I’m considering just going back to my Aviators. The Persol glasses (Also part of the Luxottica group, the same as Ray-Ban) featured on ‘The Hangover’ are also becoming a great contender.
Marco, one of the most difficult things is keeping up with trends as they come and go so quickly. There is a huge penchant for cheque shirts and Ray Ban Wayfarers at the moment. Do you think it’s worthwhile trying to keep with the trends, or just do your own thing? Inevitably, trends get so overused that you end up looking like just another person in the street. I mean, I personally love a minimalist, classic and confident style. My favourite styles are that of James Dean, Tom Ford, Johnny Depp…again, the confidence factor makes a huge difference in the overall look and feel of an outfit.
I like to get on them early. By the time I’ve worn it enough the trend is in and I can’t safely say I wore them before the craze. Right now I have Desert boots, or for the local “Veldskoen” and you’ll see it from next year a lot. Wear a trend but try not to make it your “look”. Watching what the International scene are wearing on Street style blogs are great because it’s usually months before South Africa catches on.
One of the things I can’t stand for is wearing fake garments and I always say I’d rather wear a real Fossil watch than a fake Rolex, because in the end you’re only fooling yourself. What do you have to say to people buying fakes?
I wear an aviator Fossil that everyone comments on. My brothers own a lot of Tag’s and Breitling watches, one of them owns a Rolex. It doesn’t appeal to me. Not now anyway. No 25 year old earns enough to warrant one. Unless you’re some celebrity. But it’s a status thing sometimes too. I don’t condone the production of fakes at all. Rather wear a simpler design until you can buy a better watch.
How individualistic is the local market when it comes to trends, or are we largely at the mercy of what’s happening overseas and what international designers are making?
Womenswear is clever because the buyers bring over samples from London and New York and produce modern styles for Woolworths and other similar brands. Menswear is a sad throw-back to the Nineties of ill-fitting fuddy duddy styles. They play it safe. But Country Road is awesome.
Favourite local designers?
I really like what Stiaan Louw is doing. I think he’s worth watching. Stiaan is doing a very minimalistic thing and it can only get better from there. Even his campaigns are basic like Marc Jacobs has been doing with Juergen Teller. And he gives his brand a lot of thought.
One of my very worst things in the world is baggy suits! I think Cape Town’s estate agents, and possibly estate agents everywhere are guilty of this. What are your recommendation to anyone buying a suit in Cape Town, are there really good places or even tailors who will make up suits?
Paul Smith and Hugo Boss (Red). Go in, try it on and see what you like. Let the stylist assist you. thats why they’re there. Tell them what you are in the market for and they can get you there. But bespoke suits are available in London and other big cities. Not here yet Im afraid. I know of a few great tailors in Cape Town that can size down garments and it makes a difference! A fitted suit is an amazing contrast to an ill-fitting one.
Does the quality of local garments match up to that of overseas manufacturers? Supporting local is cool, but to be honest the stuff from overseas just happens to be way more awesome. You can walk into Diesel or DSquared and grab pretty much anything and it will be great.
I agree. The quality and the neck finishes are vastly different. I do however love the plain Organic tee’s from Woolworths! JayJays is cheap and are great conceptually like TopShop but the quality is nowhere near it. But we really have to understand that fabric is not as accessible as it is in Europe. A lot of brands get slack for it but it’s not their fault.
Sometimes magazines like GQ feature items at ridiculous prices, like socks for R1500, where do we draw the line where you have to say “Ok, now we’re just being ridiculous”?
At R1500 socks.
I’ve seen photos from your blog and you’re always impeccably dressed, where do you get your fashion sense from?
Thank You, I basically just studied people and men.style.com for two years and immitated as best I could by keeping the details in mind. I really used to be more high-fashion obsessed but now I consider how to compliment my body type and keep to quality and classic style mixed in with newer styles.
Your most outrageous/expensive recent fashion buy?
My Diesel Aviator jacket…. and a pair of Olive green Brogues from Paul Smith.
Men are starting to wear more jewelry and accessories now, what are your essential pieces for guys, without looking too over the top and ridiculous?
A good watch. And simple and clean as possible if you can’t afford more. Plus a quality wallet. You’re too old for velcro.
Denim is always popular, from slightly distressed to destroyed, and then the clean cut look of raw denim. What are the essential denims every guy should own, and are there any particular brands you recommend?
1 pair of slim raw denims with enough length for a turn up. And a distressed pair of medium to light washed denims.
If there is one item of clothing that we should always shell out good cash for, what’s that going to be?
I would say a beautifully constructed and slightly distressed leather jacket, but even a a great blazer would be a good idea.
So there are some wise words of advice there, but to keep up to date I seriously suggest you bookmark Man Of The Cloth because it’s awesome. It’s an easy way to keep updated in the fashion world and it’s local with a whole load of local content.
So thanks to Marco for taking the time out to answer our questions, and be sure to visit Man Of The Cloth by clicking that link. You’ll also see the link in the right column, scroll down to ‘Reading’
BOOM!
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So we heard from the Locnville guys that their debut album is available as of today exclusively at Musica which means…you better get it!
This actually ties in nicely because I was chatting to our mate Grant from Zoopy yesterday (While they were drinking coffee at Mugg & Bean which according to JP ‘tastes like a gunshot’ — Sensibly I drank some orange juice) and he has just done a celebrity co-op with Locnville! Grant has the job that you want because he plays games. For a life! Seriously you’ve probably seen his name in GQ because he is the games contributing editor, then he also presents Gamestate on Zoopy and does more presenting on TV. Hmmmmmmmm. Anyway, check out Locnville playing some TV games and having an interview while they’re at it. And ladies…yes they do sing in studio, check it!
Ok now put your pants back on…excuse me…miss! Control yourself.
And that is a look into the lives of the best jobs in the world…professional game players and professional musicians. Mind you I’m professionally lazy for a living…that’s got to count for something.
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Fox Comet
Local Cape Town band Fox Comet, alongside Autumn Of August and Deathlikedaisies are going to be battling it out this Saturday at 43 De Villiers Road in Cape Town AKA Mercury Live.
SLXS Cape Town caught up with Fox Comet frontman Rob Coutts on being the tallest ginger in Cape Town, acting for a living, and sometimes not acting for a living when he turned down a role in History Of America because he would have to cut his ginger locks.
We met up at the hallowed grounds of Kelvin Grove in Newlands for a quick chat ahead of the epic condom and lube sponsored battle of the bands. Hey…this sounds like the place for us! Finally…an event after my heart…
If anything, there is a confidence and easy going nature around Rob that is hard to miss. When he talks he’s animated and loud, and at 6 foot who knows how much, arms motioning all over the place as though he were trying to act out everything he says, Rob is the perfect frontman for a band. The quiet guys play the instruments and the frontmen are there to entertain as much as they are there to play.
He arrives casual, approachable and with the most retro shades in the business.
“Well yeah my background is in acting ‘cos I studied at AFDA, but I’ve always been like this so I wouldn’t say AFDA taught me all this but the studying did help…you know to get those big jobs”
Wait…those shades…
“Ja I picked them up in an 80’s store, because I was going to an 80’s party but they’re quite cool actually so I just wear them”
Fox Comet is an unusual name and as Rob says, the origin of it is a little blurred, but he came up with the name and it sounds really cool, he also mentioned something about a Comet coming towards earth and a fox jumping on it, the story of which lasted an animated 10 minutes.
In between sips of Grapetizer (He’s on medication at the moment), Rob is passionate about keeping the ginger dream alive.
“Ja you know it’s tough being a ginger, and it’s especially difficult when I see a little ginger kid walking around, oblivious to the fact that he still has to make it through school. It’s so cruel! Junior school as a ginger…ah man. But I really think I have a mission here on earth, to keep the ginger dream alive by spreading some ginger love. I guess it’s my mission”
“But with the band it’s actually worked out really well because it’s just one more thing apart from our music that separates us from all the others. You’ve got this 6 foot 6 guy up on stage throwing out a lot of energy and people now recognise us for that. Not to take away from any of the band members as they are all such talented guys, but the whole ginger thing has been a really good point to identify with.”
“It’s weird because we were playing with Hog Hoggidy Hog and Half Price and we were referred to as ‘that bunch of gingers’, but it’s only me that is ginger, and we only have one song that speaks about gingers. But people do recognise us for that”
The band have taking some huge steps in the year since they started playing.
Rob was at school with Nick Catto (Bass), and while they knew each other they weren’t quite high-fiving each other as they walked to classes. A chance encounter last year had them chatting about what had happened since school days (E2003 — Widely known as the greatest E year ever in the history of learning) with Nick chatting about his music and about starting a band, and Rob letting Nick know that he had always wanted to be in a band.
A few practice sessions later and the guys just worked perfectly together. Kyle Gray has been drumming since forever, and being friends with Rob, they pulled him in and the band was complete, well, complete with Stephane Corneloup on guitar.
“I think one of the things we really bring is an amazing energy and I know people always speak loosely about ‘energy’ on stage, but we really do. We get the audience involved and quite pumped. But we also want it to really be about the music, getting a good balance between that and interacting with the crowd. Especially at the battle of the band events now, a lot of judging is based on the size of our fan base and the noise they make and how enthusiastic they are, so this is going to be quite powerful in ensuring we win on Saturday”
Obviously musicians in South Africa tend to struggle money wise, even when they are doing relatively well and playing gigs around town and at festivals, so that is always a concern.
“Well for us it’s a passion, and we’d be doing it either way, money or no money. But it is nice to be paid for something you love and if we could make a living from this it would be rad, but we’ll get there. We’ve only been going a year and getting some good gigs. Great gigs actually.”
Favourite gig
“Definitely Up The Creek. In the local scene, it’s always good to have connections, and when you are set up with something, to really go all out to kick ass. So we managed to score a sort of wild card ticket to Up The Creek which was amazing. We were actually put on a smaller stage at the river and some people would have thought this would be a disadvantage as nearly everyone would be at the main stage, but it worked. The weekend was so hot that a lot of people ended up just chilling in the river, where we were playing. So we were rocking out to about a thousand people, all sitting in the water and this was amazing. I don’t think you’ll get that at too many other places, all your audience sitting in a river.”
“But we are playing another gig at an event called Rock The River at the end of March, that’s on the banks of the Breede River which will be a good party. And being on the river well have that same experience as at Up The Creek”
As with anyone in a band, long hair is nearly a prerequisite, one Rob knows all too well.
“So I have an agent and I do television work, and in the industry it’s all about having a look that is unique and that people can identify with, and my hair is very much a part of that. I also studied acting so that helps but the look is also key, and I was actually offered a job in a series called ‘History Of America’, and it’s…ja just a history of America…shot in South Africa for some reason. Well they wanted me to cut my hair and my agent was against it, and I was too. I could have made some great money, but then with my hair all cut off, you know, maybe I won’t get work until it grows back! Plus I like to rock out on stage and throw the hair around, which is hard to do when it looks like you’ve got a school boy cut. So if people do ask if I’ll cut my hair, the answer is no. Takes a long time to grow”
Recording, music videos?
“Yeah we do book into a studio because it’s important to have time in the studio with the band, it also costs a bit but it’s something that needs to be done. That’s why with any money we make from gigs, we can’t go out spending it because it always needs to be invested back into the band. We want to shoot a music video because they’re so powerful and lately SA bands are making sick music videos and we feel it’s important to pair one of our best songs with a really well produced video. We have some connections though which will help when it comes to filming and editing. It will all come together and we really need to make 2010 a big year because we’ve had such great opportunities in our first year, that we can’t waste them now. We really need to go all out in 2010″
Locnville
“Ha ha, we used to always play at their house because they know Nick, so we were always hanging out there and having jam sessions. But then I think we got too loud so we had to move on”
Big mentions
“We’ve been getting some good press but a highlight is being noticed by 5FM, by Catherine on the Fresh Drive Show for her gig guide. That was awesome. We were also interviewed by a journalist working on stuff for the FIFA website, you should check that out, I’ll give you the link”
And how is this Saturday going to work
“Okay the main thing is to print out a flyer from our Facebook page, it highlights our name so when you arrive with it, you get in R10 cheaper, but the flyer is collected and then these are counted to see who had the most fans arriving. You need to print one out beforehand from the Fox Comet page, and then we’re ready to win” Alternatively, just print the following flyer:
With that our time was up as Rob had another meeting ahead of Saturday, but we did get some time to snap some photos of the rocker showing off…well…a more sensitive, enigmatic side on the grounds of Kelvin Grove.
That’s grounds for having a Kelvin Grove membership revoked!
Check out the following links ahead of Fox Comets’ performance on Saturday at Mercury Live. The winners go to the finals in Johannesburg, offering a massive opportunity as an up and coming band. We’re behind these guys from Cape Town all the way and we’ll be there on Saturday to support the guys.
The free condoms and lube are just sort of a benefit of Durex sponsoring!
For the Fox Comet website, click HERE.
For their Facebook fan page, click HERE. There you can print out a photo of the flyer that needs to be taken to Saturdays gig.
For their mention on the FIFA website, click HERE.
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Most of you will remember Galen Hossack from his surfing days in South Africa and that’s where I first came across Galen. Then you lose touch for a while and the next thing you know Galen seems to be doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that! So I decided to catch up with Galen a week or three ago to see what he is currently involved in. Here we go.
Sean Lloyd: Galen, everyone probably remembers you as a surfer and now you have moved into music, can you just give us a quick re-cap on your main surfing achievements?
Galen Hossack: I won SA Champs U/16, won the Billabong Junior Pro twice, made the SA team twice, came 5th in World Games and 7th in World Champs, both U/19. In the World Champs I beat Mick Fanning in the quarters.
SL: You are also involved in a website called loadtheshow (Click for link) Could you briefly describe this concept and tell us how you came up with the concept of free downloads and paid artists?
GH: You have websites with pirated music on them and they are making tons of cash off advertising. We just gave the advertising money to artists, made it legal through asking artists to load their own stuff up and the more they market the site, the more cash we can give back to them. I think it’s a pretty simple concept really. I don’t know why it wasn’t done before. Fear and greed probably.
SL: And is loadtheshow proving to be a sustainable business model?
GH: Like all internet businesses the margins are very small because the barriers to entry are virtually zero. So it’s all about volume and unfortunately we’re hindered in that department at the moment because of high internet costs. However, the site is growing, we’re creating an awesome brand and creating awareness, so that when SA internet catches a wake up, we can offer as much as possible.
SL: Galen you seem to be involved in all sorts of things, including having your own band, The LP Show. In addition, you have a recording studio. What sorts of bands is your studio geared towards?
GH: We focus on experimenting, song writing, and having the best instruments and textures for the song rather than long hours of trying to get the right take. We’ve developed pretty efficient ways of getting round the problem of not having enough time and so we put the added hours saved into really creating an awesome song.
SL: Surfers are generally seen as laid back, do you still live the laid back surf lifestyle even though you are involved in more “normal” stuff right now?
GH: I don’t think I’ve ever conformed to the so called ‘laid back’ surfer attitude- if there is such a thing. I’ve always been exceptionally excited about life and all it has to offer. So I’ve always done a lot of other things than surf, for example I won art awards at school, did Add. maths until Matric, played guitar throughout my life etc, so perhaps my surfing is just what caught people’s attention.
So I don’t think I’ve really changed much as far as lifestyle goes. I still walk into work and check the surf report and call mates to plan surf trips. Probably too often. It’s just that other parts of my life are starting to come to the surface now. It’s been quite a drawn out difficult process, I must admit, but that’s life, that’s a challenge and that’s why you got to love it.
SL: Galen you’re living in Cape Town, what would be your favourite place where you are most likely to hang out, be it a club, restaurant or anywhere else?
GH: Hang out…I don’t really hang out too much. I kind of go somewhere, do something and get out…but if I had to commit to something, I’d say the UCT pub. It’s got cheap cold drafts, cool old school music, a lot of old friends and interesting conversation. I’m there about once a week. Maybe after a game of squash or the driving range.
Finally Galen, what do you see for the future of all your business interests and what would your dreams for them be?
GH: Before we get into the last question I’d like to drop in that I’ve got a new branch…I just recently started working for a hedge fund as an equity analyst. It’s probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. I think my friends and family are sick of hearing about it. It’s incredible how everything, and I mean everything that happens comes out in the stock prices of companies. From snow storms in China to, to an unforeseen granite ridge under the ground in a coal mine.
So…
I’d like to consolidate all my business ideas and interests into one one incredible being. I say ‘being’ because I want it to be so adaptable that it never runs out of ideas, never stands still and never gets caught out. I want to work with the smartest, fastest and most innovative minds across all fields and have them know that what they put in, is what they’ll get out. Nothing should be an obstacle and everything should be inspiring. I’m not sure exactly how it’s all going to fit together, but I believe I’ll find a way.
Anyway…market update…My Standard Bank short is burning me, but my Exxaro and BHP Billitons are pumping. Surf is going to be sick on Sunday and I’m meeting Bean, Jem and Birdo for some beers at the UCT pub at 6:30…
And then Galen was off. Galen would seem to be doing a little bit of everything but rather than spreading himself thin, he has an intense focus and hold on everything he does. From offering free music online, to having his own band, to having a recording studio, to being a top class surfer to working as an equity analyst, it’s hard to pin Galen down.
And so we wait to see where next Galen’s name will be seen on the business radar…
Further information, click the links below:
Sean Lloyd
Editor
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Nick Koster at speed.
I have been hearing stories for a while on the Bishops rugby captain, and for a while I was unsure who this was. However, as time has gone by, the name Nick Koster has come up more and more often in conversations, and I could not let this slide anymore! I had to find out a little bit more about the man we know as Nick Koster, the Bishops First Team rugby captain.
The last time I spoke about a distinguished sportsman from Bishops, was the time I wrote spoke about Dugald McDonald (Click for link), also a Bishops Old Boy, Springbok rugby player and all round iron man.
However this time I’m talking about the name that has everyone excited, even people who don’t religiously follow rugby. It’s always exciting finding out about the upcoming talent this country has to offer, and I think a player in the form of Nick Koster definitely can be regarded as upcoming talent.
I last saw him play in the final match of the season against Rondebosch Boys High School, where Bishops won the game and Nick did not have a good game at all. I was then put in touch with Nick Koster through Jason Mitchell of Bishops, and this is the interview.
SLXS readers, I present to you, Nick Koster:
Age: 18
Height: 1.94 metres
Weight: 105 kilograms
Speed: Ran the hundred metres in 11 seconds flat on grass and into the wind at the Triangular this year. That is nothing but scary!
Sean: Nick, from what I have learned, Nick Mallett and Jake White have pinpointed you as the next big thing in South African rugby and you signed a Western Province contract when you were 16 years old. What sort of pressure does this put on someone your age, where you are trying to concentrate on school work, a social life and living up to the expectations that seem to have been put on you?
Nick: I am lucky in that pressure and expectation is something that pushes me to do greater things rather than breaking me down. I love pressure, and in fact need it to fulfill my goals. I have learnt that I need a balance in my life, where I work hard and play hard.
When I am in the classroom or studying, I try to do so with complete commitment when I can, and when I get out onto the training field, all else is forgotten and I work on becoming a better player, by learning something new or improving even just one little aspect of my game. As much as I value great coaches like Nick Mallett and Jake White’s opinions, I do not really use that to assess where I am.
I don’t use words that they have spoken to assure myself of any success in the future or even that I have achieved in the past. I merely use their words as an encouragement in that I have already got a ‘name’, I just need to do my talent justice.
Sean: I think that in most peoples lives, they reach a point where they realise that they are truly good at something, and not in an arrogant sense, but rather a sense of knowing that they have a talent for something. Did you ever reach a point where you could confidently say to yourself “I really am a top class rugby player?”
Nick: I am completely against arrogance and I don’t agree with people that are arrogant. That said, I have to admit that I have confidence every time I run onto the field that I have the ability to be better than my opposite number. To me it is not about what you have achieved, but rather how you are playing in accordance to your talent. I truly believe that I can be a much better player by alternating a few things in my mind. I know where my weaknesses are and I need to work on them, and once I have no more weaknesses in the game, I will tell myself that I am a top class rugby player.
Sean: We know that any sports person can succumb to injury, often injuries that end careers. We also know that a lot of players are becoming wiser these days, and actually studying on the side to make sure that their lives are set up in case of a serious injury, and for when they retire from sport. What are your plans for out of the rugby scene, if any?
Nick: I want to use rugby to give me a jumpstart in the business world. The thing is, everyone knows who Schalk Burger is, but not everyone knows who the top business man in the country is. I am studying next year along with my rugby, but I cannot attend lectures so I will have a difficult task in keeping up with the work. Nevertheless, getting a degree is important to me as making it in rugby is, and that is what I want to do.
Sean: What is the support like from from the other players in your Bishops team, regarding your future career prospects? Is it encouraging or are there some people who are jealous?
Nick: You always get people who are jealous and that is something that you need to live with. Jealousy is something we all have, and I accept that some people are jealous. With regards to my team, they have been incredibly supportive on and off the field. On the field they have realised that I need to be ‘protected’ somewhat in schoolboy rugby as a lot of teams were out to kill me.(Not literally, readers……Editor) It is encouraging having people who support you and back you, especially through the difficult times, and the jealous people really don’t bother me.
Sean: You played your last game for Bishops with an injury, and you did not have your best game. How was the decision taken to let you play, and was your injury serious that it warranted you maybe not playing at full capacity?
Nick: It was always going to be a big call, as I was not nearly fit to play. And even though I had a shocker, I do not regret the decision to play at all. It was an awesome victory, one I will never forget and I was always going to sacrifice that little bit for my team.
I knew that I would not be at my best, and accepted that beforehand, but I told myself from the beginning that I would not make any excuses whatsoever, because it was my decision to play, and that I would go out and try my best, even though my groin was giving me a lot of trouble.
I like to believe that I am a team man, and that was the least I could have done for a team and school that I am extremely passionate about.
Sean: I was taking a drive through Rondebosch Boys High School before the Bosch/ Bishops derby this year, and at break times you see lots of kids eating junk food from the tuck shop and this is quite a common trend amongst school kids. How does your diet differ from the average school kids, and what do you avoid?
Nick: I try to avoid fats where I can, but my diet really should be better. You have to watch what you eat as your muscles need good nutrition to cope with the heavy work load you expect from them.
Sean: Nick, are there any specific supplements that you use to help increase your performance such as protein, glutamine, creatine or anything of the sort?
Nick: You have to use supplements as it is difficult to get everything you need out of the food you eat every day. I do use protein and I am looking to go onto creatine in the future maybe as it does help you in just getting that little step up. I try to be as natural as I can, but I do realise the importance of supplements.
Sean: If you were on the fringes of Springbok selection and you were offered an overseas contract would you consider it?
Nick: No, my dream has always been to play for the Springboks and I believe that that is something that money cannot buy. I do suppose that one can never say never, but I want to reach my goal of one day putting on the green and gold, and I don’t believe that anything can stand in the way of that if I do reach that level, in terms of money that is.
Sean: Why do you think so many talented schoolboy rugby players leave school and then never make it at the top level of the sport?
Nick: I believe they are not managed well. Rugby is something that can be taken away from you in a split second on or off the field due to injury, so it is not the safe option. Every player that goes for it is risking a lot, and some talented youngsters are not willing to risk a career in business to pursue a rugby career, thus they give it up.
Sean: Do you know of any other talented rugby players that we should look out for coming through any of the Cape Town school?
Nick: There are plenty of talented players to look out for, but from the Cape Town schools I know that my fellow team mates Greg Mallett and Michael Nel from Bishops are special. I haven’t really seen enough of the players from schools such as SACS and Rondebosch, but those two players have what it takes to take their game to the next level.
Sean: Nick, to end off, do you feel any major pressure to succeed after what you have achieved at school boy level?
Nick: Any pressure that I am under is the pressure that I put on myself, and not the pressure put on me by other people or the media. I do not feel like I have to make it in rugby, but for me to use the talents that I have been blessed with to be the best player that I can be is really important.
What I have achieved at school boy level is a mere taste of what is to come. I am not going to settle for what I have achieved, I want to be much greater. In a completely modest way, I believe that people have not seen me perform yet. Just as life is short, so is a rugby career, and I am going to make the most of mine, squeezing out every last bit of talent that I have been given.
I think from looking over that interview, Nick is definitely going to go onto bigger things. With not a hint of arrogance, but pure confidence and determination, we truly are seeing something great unfold before us.
He has already proved beyond doubt that he is talented, and even the big names in South African rugby are agreeing that he has what it takes. But this is not making Nick Koster sit up and take it easy, he is determined to show us an even better side of him. And that is something to take note of.
Sean Lloyd
Editor
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