With rugby mania reaching fever pitch, there has never been a more thrilling time to announce that Springbok fly-half Elton Jantjies is the new brand ambassador, for the next six months, for online trading company CM Trading. It might seem like an unlikely pairing at first, but Jantjies’ approach on the field pretty much echoes CM Trading’s approach to investment, and there is nothing ordinary about either.

"We are very excited about this new partnership with the Elton Jantjies,” says Daniel Kibel, CM Tradings co-founder. “As Africa’s largest and best-known online broker, it’s a natural fit to be associated with one of our most enigmatic young sports stars. Elton’s lust for life, the way he instinctively plays the game and the calculated risks he takes both on and off the field are all qualities that we hold in high regard. We are truly proud to have him represent our brand, both locally and internationally.

”As a self-professed risk taker, Jantjies steers very clear of the “safe side of the street”. Always pushing boundaries, he has absolutely no desire to spend time wondering what might have been. “Life is all about taking calculated risks”, he says. “If you take a risk and it pays off you will be happy, if you don’t you will always wonder what if?”. A mindset that not only aligns perfectly with the ever-changing investment landscape, but that is also very similar to Kibels, who says, “Your funds will give you absolutely no returns sitting tucked away in your bank account, in fact, it’s safe to say that you’re losing money with each day that passes. Why not grab the opportunity to actually do something with your money, you may have an unexpected outcome, but at least you took the chance”.

Jantjies took some time off during his busy training schedule in Japan to give us his take on this new partnership, as well as his thoughts on handling his finances and how to approach investment opportunities.

How did you come to be involved with CM Trading?

I have always had a keen interest in wealth creation and creating new revenue streams, CM Trading is the top broker in Africa, so it was a natural fit.

Do you use the CM Trading platform and if so, what do you like most about it?

I am learning how to trade through CM Trading and their user-friendly approach.

Do you feel that there are any parallels between the rugby field and the financial playing field?

For sure, although completely different, both require intense dedication. You have to invest the time, continually practice and never stop learning to reach the top.

How important do you think it is to stick to your strategy?

I think it’s very important to decide on a strategy and once you have it set in your mind you need to focus, stick to it and give it time to materialise. With that being said though, it is very important that you are able to pivot if required. 

What advice would you give a friend who tells you that they’re interested in investing in the latest “get rich quick” investment idea?

Just to do their homework properly, look at all the angles, speak to people in the know. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you could offer some personal advice to young athletes on investing for the future what would it be?

Stick to your budgets, don’t overextend yourself, don’t go and buy vanity things. Someone once told me if you cannot afford it twice don’t buy it, which is thinking that I apply in my own life. It might not always be glamorous but look for options to save for that rainy day, because if and when it comes, you will thank yourself.

Sound investment often requires a lot of research. How important is it to you to go into a match well prepared in terms of understanding your opponent? Do you spend a lot of time researching your opponents beforehand, or do you feel that you’d rather just face them on the field and take it as it comes?

We analyse our opponents down to every last aspect until we know as much as possible about what can be expected.  When you’re playing at the highest level, you cannot afford to not be prepared for what your opponent is bringing to the game. I would say that the same applies when it comes to your money. Know and understand the playing field and what opponents are doing out there. There truly is no such thing as knowing too much about what you could be up against.

Finally, have you learnt any important life lessons on the field that you use regularly, in everyday life?

The only thing I can say is to just enjoy your time out there and do your best – this goes for life as well. 

This partnership is certainly going to be something to keep an eye on. You don’t simply score over 1 000 Super Rugby points and lead your team to a multitude of consecutive finals from the fly-half position if there isn’t something special about you. It will be interesting to see what this young maverick has up his sleeve on both the rugby front and the investment front.