Today I am celebrating the journey and paying tribute to the struggles and victories of one of SA’s Rugby 7’s greats – Rosko Speckman. This Blitzbok is now also an honoured SA Olympian ready for take off in Rio at the Olympics. He is a great game changer, a humble man and man of deep faith. Just earlier this year he won the DHL Impact player of the tournament award in Wellington NZ, were he was rewarded for his consistency and top performance. This award honours try-takers and try-makers, thus players who cuts through, create spaces and enable opportunities in the game. It all boils down to team work.
Sharing on his faith “Coming from a less privileged background I’ve also seen how far you can succeed when have Faith in God”.
About himself he says “As a person I come across quite stern and serious, but I’m actually always making jokes and having a laugh. I consider myself a people’s person, also hard working and determined when it comes to my job”.
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Photo credits: Eunice Visagie/Outsider Communications
Athlete: Bio / Stats |
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| Name & Surname | Rosko Specman |
| Nick Name | Speckmagic |
| Date of birth | 28 April 1989 |
| Place of birth | Grahamstown, Eastern Cape |
| Current City | Stellenbosch, Western Cape |
| Height | 1.72 cm |
| Weight | 83kg |
| Shoe Size | Size 7 |
| Club | South Africa 7s – Springbok Sevens |
| Coach’s Name | Neil Powell |
| Out of Country events | HSBC World Series tournaments 2014-2016 |
| Favorite City | Cape Town |
| Favorite Song / type of music | RnB |
| Favorite Movie | Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z Animation |
| School & Grade | Matric 2007 Mary Waters Secondary School |
| Tertiary degree/ diploma | Post Matric Certificate 2008 Kingswood College |
| Sponsors | Nike and Herbalife |
| Twitter
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Twitter – Speckmagic11
Instagram – Speckmagic Facebook – Rosco Speckmagic Speckman |
| Wife/ Parents Names, siblings/ (partner) | Parents – Merle and Joseph Specman
Siblings – Velencia Dirkse and Rodriques Specman Partner – Amber Cupido |
Photo credits: Eunice Visagie/Outsider Communications
INTERVIEW:
Q: Firstly – congrats on all your recent brilliant rugby performances. And wow, being on the squad preparing for the Rio Olympics. What is on your heart and mind right now concerning this upcoming big event in Rio?
I’m very excited to be part of the training squad. This is by far the biggest privilege and I would be very honoured to be part of the final team… That would be the highlight of career.
Q: You had the most brilliant performances earlier this year that saw you winning the DHL Impact Player of the Tournament award in Wellington at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Your thoughts on this?
I’ve always wanted to play the NZ leg of the series and winning that award was the best possible achievement! I was so excited. It’s something I will always cherish.
Q: How did you get started in Rugby?
When I was younger I watched my father play club rugby. I’ve always looked up to him, seeing his love for the game made me fall in love with it.
Q: Who are you?
As a person I come across quite stern and serious, but I’m actually always making jokes and having a laugh. I consider myself a people’s person, also hard working and determined when it comes to my job.
Q: Why do you have so much respect for your coach/es?
They’ve been in the game much longer than I have, and I still have much to learn, they’re always willing to teach me. Every coach I’ve had has always pushed me to be better, that’s something I really respect and appreciate.
Q: I believe you dance well 🙂? Do you want to share on this a little?
Haha, I don’t want to brag but I could give Chris Brown a run for his money. I used to be part of a street dance crew during my high school years.
Photo credits: Eunice Visagie/Outsider Communications
Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?
“At the end of the day, Hard work becomes easy work” – Rosko Specman
Meaning if you work at something that seems difficult or even impossible long enough and hard enough it ends up being as easy as tying your shoe laces
Q: Favourite meal?
Anything my girlfriend cooks, especially her lasagne.
Q: Do you want to share a little on your faith journey for far in sport and life?
In the last 3-4 years I’ve truly experienced the favor of God. I’ve seen Him open doors for me, even close a few in areas where I wasn’t growing. I had a setback in 2014 when I injured my ankle during the Las Vegas tournament. I thought it would be the biggest struggle to recover and also very difficult to get back in the game as I thought that period of time was my prime, having just started my 7s career. It was a long road to recovery, but I had many people praying for me, and I learned to lean on God for provision and patience. Coming from a less privileged background I’ve also seen how far you can succeed when have Faith in God.
Q: Your definition of greatness?
From a sporting perspective – someone that puts his team ahead of himself. From a everyday perspective – someone that does not give up when faced with failure but always comes back and tries to do better.
Q: What’s your WHY ?
Why do I do what I do? Simple answer, God has blessed me with the talent and skill to play the game. I do it to glorify Him. If I can influence people with my sport, my life story, and my faith, that would be enough for me. I want to show people that your circumstance don’t limit you to achieve what you dream of, be willing to work hard, be willing to accept help, and also have patience. Things don’t always happen according to our time line.
Photo credits: Eunice Visagie/Outsider Communications
Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!
NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.
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