Sharksrugby.co.za  caught up with Sharks lock Albert van den Berg and posed 20 straight-forward, interesting and thought-provoking questions to find out a little more about the player and what he thinks about a variety of issues.

Courtesy from www.sharksrugby.co.za

OK, first up, a real toughie – What’s the biggest global issue facing us at the moment?

Online gambling.

What does it mean to you playing for The Sharks?

It means a lot, I’ve been here for 10 years and am part of the family and whenever I play for The Sharks, it’s an honour. What is your favourite personal rugby memory? Winning the Absa Currie Cup last year. I was in the 2004 winning Tri-Nations squad as well as the 2007 World Cup squad, but because I actually played in the Currie Cup final, that’s the one that stands out for me.

What does the life of a professional sportsman mean to you?

A lot of sacrifices, but also with that comes a lot of opportunities. So being a professional sportsman means a lot of things come your way, it’s about making the right decisions what to accept and what not to.

What does your position on the field require of you in terms of your preparation and delivery?

Playing lock, I need to make sure we win our lineout ball and see if we can poach a few of the opposition’s throw-ins.

What’s the toughest game in a season?

If you can make the final, then that’s the toughest game because in all the other games, there is always a next game, but in a final, you have to be on top of your game, you only have the one opportunity.

What’s the best part about touring?

For me, the players all being together as a family and all the fun we have on tour. Going with that, if you win, you enjoy the tour even more. As players, we’re together, there is so much we share.

And the worst?

If you start losing, it becomes a long tour. Also, every day you’re stuck between the four walls of a hotel room, so you miss home.

Who is the funniest guy in the team?

Deon Carstens.

What’s typically in your fridge at any one time?

The basics, milk, eggs, yoghurt, cheese. On the odd occasion a chocolate or carrot cake.

Can you cook, what’s your signature dish?

I can cook a little bit but I don’t have a signature dish. I can do the basics.

If you could pig out on any food that didn’t affect your health or weight, what would it be?

Chocolate cake.

What’s your ideal dining experience? (Meal, Restaurant, Company)

At the moment we like going to the Spur because of the kids. The kids can go play and then come and have dinner with us and chat to us.

Where did your youth and schooling/education take place?

I grew up in Rustenburg, attended Rustenburg Primary School, did some of my high schooling there and then we moved to Vryburg where I finished my education. One thing I always say to my kids, that they must enjoy school, and having all the fun that goes with it, the sports, the mates, it’s something that if I look back, I really enjoyed and would do again.

Who is/was your role model, inspiration or childhood hero and why?

I never really had a role model as a kid, but there are a few guys lately, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen who have made it to the top and stayed there. I admire them because you get a lot of sports people who are flashes in the pan – they’re there one day and gone the next – so staying there for a while means you’ve achieved something.

What motivates you?

The fact that I enjoy the game and love to play the game, that motivates me. To be part of a team and to play. In life, the thing that motivates me to carry on is the fact that I know God is there for me and He’s helping me in all situations, good and bad.

What defines greatness?

I think greatness is defined by when you achieve something in life and you’re at the top, it’s to know where you’ve come from, that you haven’t changed as a person. When you’ve made it, you’re still humble and down to earth.

How do you let off steam? Play hard or relaxed?

I like to spend time with my wife and kids, they’re close to me.

What’s your ultimate holiday destination either as a dream or place you go to regularly?

I like to go to the Drakensburg Sun, it’s a lovely place, we’ve been there four or five times, there is so much to do there, the kids love it.

What are your five most prized possessions?

Firstly my bible, then my wife, my two kids and lastly, at this moment, my rugby boots.