Ex Supersport
The selection of Francois Venter for the Vodacom Bulls above IRB Junior Player of the year Jan Serfontein may have come as a surprise to many, as the midfielder flew in from South Africa and found himself in the starting line-up straight away.
Considering he is so highly rated by the Bulls management, the question must be asked why he didn’t tour in the first place, and whether or not he was “punished” in an ongoing contractual negotiations dispute that is taking place behind the scenes?
Venter’s contract comes to an end at the end of the season, and sources close to the Bulls have indicated he initially refused the opening offer of a contract extension from the Bulls. This came at around about the same time he was surprisingly left out of the touring squad to the Antipodes, with Serfontein taking the extra midfield spot on the touring team.
But now that Wynand Olivier is injured, Serfontein has been ignored in selection to move up to the starting spot and Venter was called up, and is straight into the starting line-up. What sort of message this sends to the young prodigy is anyone’s guess, but the move is surprising to say the least. (How old is Venter - probably acouple of years older than Jan? Bulle being conservative with Jan. They do not want another Goosen situation. Jan owevr looks more solid and robust)
It could be that coach Frans Ludeke wanted some more experience in the side, after making nine changes, but there are those who will argue that Serfontein, after having more than a half a game against a rampant Crusaders side, should have been given the reward for his excellent play.
Again, it can be argued that JJ Engelbrecht, who endured a defensive nightmare against the Crusaders, was more than lucky to keep his place. (Ludeke should probably play venter and jan at centre and JJ on the wing)
Above all it begs the question of what the plan is with the young IRB Player of the year Serfontein? To blood him too early may be one worry, and the Bulls have never been anything more than conservative in their selections. Still, given the success of the Stormers and others, there are those who believe Serfontein and Handre Pollard could both be in Springbok colours before the end of year, and he should be given the opportunity at this level.
“We take it week by week with Jan and his role this week is to come from the bench and make an impact when he gets the opportunity,” Ludeke explained on Serfontein.
“Swys (Venter) played some Vodacom Cup games there when we left and we decided to give him a start. In him and Jan we have two great players and it is vital to make sure we manage them well. We’ve had one-on-ones with them and they know where they stand. Swys is in this week but Jan will definitely get his opportunity,” Ludeke said.
Still, with all the midfield talent at the Bulls at the moment, the challenge of managing them properly is going to be a tough ask for Ludeke and co. Serfontein deserves a chance and although he is young, there are many who would love to see him take the step up.
Likewise for Venter, who has been a faithful member of the Bulls squad and deserved to tour in the first place.
Looks simply as if Ludeke doesnt want to too much inexperience against the Reds.
I dont like the look of the bulle loose trio.
