Brumbies player Jesse Mogg poses for a photo with South African fan Pieter Viljoen. Photo: Rugby Heaven
He’s been called a traitor, travelled thousands of kilometres and is preparing for an onslaught of abuse in Pretoria – meet Pieter Viljoen, the only ACT Brumbies fan in South Africa.
He’s the qualified electrician who works at a mine and wants to move to Australia.
He’s a world away from Canberra and the freezing winter gripping the capital.
But Viljoen’s Brumbies passion started well before coach Jake White ignited a South African connection in the capital.
The 25-year-old has been on board for 15 years supporting the enemy and copping it from his countrymen for backing the visitors.
The Brumbies will play the Pretoria Bulls in the Super Rugby semi final at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday morning Australian time with the winner advancing to the championship match.
And while most Brumbies fans will stay up late in Canberra, Viljoen will be fighting a one-man crusade in the stands in Pretoria.
“Yeah, we’ll be the only two people in the crowd wearing Brumbies jerseys [in Pretoria],” Viljoen said.
“South Africans obviously describe me as a traitor, a person without patriotism or integrity.
“But I feel that every guy has a choice to support whoever they want. I expect some cheeky comments … but I’ve learned to live with it.” – Chris Dutton
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