‘Speedster, game-changer, baller,’ SaberCats flanker Gideon van Wyk

By Aaron Wilson

Gideon van Wyk anticipated the pass like a ballhawking free safety, breaking on the ball and intercepting it so crisply Saturday night that the SaberCats’ flanker didn’t break stride on his pathway for an uninterrupted try.

At 6-foot-3, 233 pounds, van Wyk has speed to burn. His acceleration is rare. So are his instincts and decisiveness. 

“We picked him specifically for that role,” SaberCats director Heyneke Meyer said following a 35-14 win over the Nola Gold at SaberCats Stadium. “He’s a speedster. If guys make a mistake, he can capitalize. He has a lot of speed. We knew they would throw the ball around. He was the right guy to play, and he was a game-changer for us.”

van Wyk scored two tries for the SaberCats against the Gold, scoring 10 points. He also had 11 tackles and led the team with 124 running meters, tying Dominic Akina with nine ball carries.

A native of Lichtenburg, South Africa, a town in the North West Province, van Wyk was re-signed after a successful first season for the SaberCats last year.

“Gideon was a big player for us today,” prop Pono Davis said after the game.

Whether it’s starting or coming off the bench, van Wyk is making his presence felt and delivering an impact for the 2-0 SaberCats.

Just 21 years old, van Wyk has a bright present and future.

“He’s very fast, he’s doing really great,” Gerrie Labuschagne‘ said. “I’m really proud of him. I’m looking forward to the rest of his season.”

van Wyk played 534 minutes in 13 matches last season for the SaberCats with four starts. He scored five tries.

Now, he’s building on last season’s success.

“We executed our style,” van Wyk said. “I think we executed nicely at certain stages. It was real nice. We had video sessions through the week about what Nola is going to do. If there’s an opportunity, you need to take the risk.”

Before joining Major League Rugby, van Wyk previously played for the University of Free State, playing for the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup Premier Division and played for the Toyota Cheetahs. He previously represented the South Africa Under-18s and the South Africa School after attending Menlo Park and Paarl Boys High Schools.

Off to a fast start, van Wyk is making an impact.

“Gideon had an amazing game,” said vice captain Christian Dyer. “That guy comes in every game and makes a play. It doesn’t matter if he’s starting or he’s off the bench. He’s a baller.”

*Photos by BigShots SnapShots