Valentino Velman: ‘On the pitch, I constantly give advice to my teammates and show leadership’

This summer, 29-year-old South African quarterback Valentino Velman joined the VVA-Podmoskovye team. In an interview, he talked about his move to Russia, his successful debut for a new team in the PARI Championship of Russia and his strengths.

— Valentino, welcome to Russia. Tell us how the option to move to our country came up, how quickly did you accept?

— I have always known that Russia is the greatest country in the world where people respect and appreciate each other. I played rugby professionally in South Africa for 8-9 years and was looking forward to trying my hand at another country, like Russia. I have known many rugby players from South Africa who now play in the Russian championship.

“What have you heard about Russia?” Who did you consult about transitioning to a new team and moving to a new country?

– Before that, I visited 10 countries of the world, but I came to Russia for the first time. For me it is a very special and unique experience. Here I already knew Arnout Malherbe and Stefan Grundling (BVA forwards), we played with the guys before in South Africa. They told me about the club and the sweetness of life in Russia. Now that I’m here, I’m glad to experience it for myself.

– Are you ready for Russian winter and frosts?

— I adapt very quickly to all conditions, so I’m sure I’ll be ready for the Russian winter

– There is a large group of South African players in WVA. Tell me, who have you ever befriended?

— Here, at Monino, I immediately felt like a member of a big family, for which I thank the team. At the moment there are six South Africans in VVA-Podmoskovye, and they are all my friends. But from the first week in the team he made friends with many Russians – Misha Babaev, Dmitry Krovyakov, Artyom Karin, Sergey Trishin, Denis Semin and Islam Abdulkadirov.

– Have you managed to equip your life? Tell me where do you live? Did you come with your family or not? Do you have it?

– I settled here in Monino, not far from the base. I like silence and nature in the place where I live now. I came to Russia alone, without family.

– How did you start playing rugby in South Africa?

— I was 6 years old when I started playing rugby. My father was a former rugby player and his four brothers also played in South Africa and were in good standing. As for rugby in Russia, I can say that the sport is growing here every season. Many high quality legionaries come from all over the world.

– You immediately became the author of the best attempt in the first round of the PARI Championship of Russia! How nice? Did you expect this from yourself? Have you ever received similar rewards?

“I have always set myself the highest goals for every game and every season. My first match with Metallurg was just the start of my career in Russia and I am very happy that I was able to score two attempts in my first match for VVA-Podmoskovye and help the team to their first victory. Becoming the author of the best attempt in the first round was something special for me. I am a very confident player and the fans all over the world who know me can attest that I am a very productive finisher and a good goalscorer.I have received many accolades in my rugby career but it is very important to me to play every game as if it were my last game.

“We have already noted your impressive speed. What are your strengths as a player?

“Speed, power, kicking, organization of the defense and my grips. It is important that I constantly communicate in the field. I was born as a leader player, I don’t talk much about my job, but when I’m on the pitch you’ll definitely hear me urging my teammates.

— What do you want to achieve with VBA? How well known and listed is this team in South Africa?

“I want to leave my mark in the history of the team. Inspire children and be remembered by fans with your game. “VVA-Podmoskovye”, of course, is already easily recognizable in our country. Slowly but surely, with the help of all the South Africans currently playing for the WBA, this is happening.