1
Wallabies star Len Ikitau surges past World Cup winners in Top 100 rise
1
{{item.n}}
Shilton van Wyk aiming for difference making year with Blitzboks
By Joe Harvey
Blitzboks flyer Shilton van Wyk hopes to enjoy a landmark year in HSBC SVNS competition.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 25-year-old has been a mainstay with the team since his debut in 2022 and won six tournament trophies in that time.
At the end of November, Van Wyk will return to world series action in Dubai and then Cape Town, where the Boks will attempt to defend last year’s title.
“I really want to make a difference this year,” Van Wyk said. “We have some clear objectives for the season and Dubai and then Cape Town features prominently. The fact that I have tasted victory in both tournaments does not matter, the hunger for more remains.”
A quick start in Dubai and Cape Town could be the perfect start for South Africa. They come into this season as SVNS World Championship winners after their success in Los Angeles last May.
It was a stark contrast to how the Blitzboks started the 2024/25 season. Their quarter-final exit to New Zealand in Dubai ended a run of seven wins in the past eight years in the desert.
Now six months removed from their success in California, Van Wyk and his teammates have been well-drilled this offseason by head coach Philip Snyman.
ADVERTISEMENT
Getting back to winning ways in the Middle East and then defending their Cape Town title is very much at the heart of Van Wyk’s thoughts two weeks out from tournament time.
“We are progressing well, I feel, and the squad has some good depth this year in all positions, so we are pushing each other hard for a place in the squad for Dubai and Cape Town,” he said.
“We realised how much it means to win at home so everyone will be keen to repeat that when we come back in December.”
On top of success with the Blitzboks, Van Wyk has personal ambitions too.
Along with dominant solo performances the 25-year-old wants to reach a personal landmark of 35 appearances at SVNS tournaments.
ADVERTISEMENT
Should he appear at eight tournaments this season would see him overtake the totals of several Blitzboks legends.
“I want to get to 35 tournaments, as this remains a special squad milestone that has been celebrated over many years,” Van Wyk said.
“For me to get to that, I need to be selected regularly during the season, meaning that I will need to be in good enough form to make the team and also stay injury free.
“If I get to 35, I will be happy and if we can add a couple of tournament wins to our tally, ever better.”
