Old Khaki continues its Materials That Matter sports series – Raise The Bar – by shining a light on Springbok flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse. An athlete whose story is built on purpose, resilience and the simple belief that joy should always come first.
As part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to celebrating South Africans who inspire through authenticity rather than accolades, Hendrikse joins the growing collective of local sporting icons whose journeys remind us that what truly shapes us goes far beyond the game.
For Hendrikse, rugby was never just about winning. It began in his community, where any ball meant an opportunity to play, connect and dream.
“As long as there’s a ball, there’s always going to be fun,” he says.
That perspective was shaped by his father, whose first question after every match was never whether he had won, but whether he had enjoyed it. It’s a lesson that has remained at the heart of Hendrikse’s career and one that continues to guide him on and off the field.
Leaving home at just 13 years old to pursue rugby demanded sacrifice, discipline and unwavering determination. Yet through every challenge, Hendrikse has remained driven by something greater than personal success: the desire to inspire the community that raised him.
“My earliest why was being change. Coming from a community that wants to see people succeed but hardly sees it, I wanted to show that change is possible.”
Known for his composure in the biggest moments, Hendrikse credits his calm under pressure to staying grounded in his faith and purpose. Whether standing over a decisive kick or representing South Africa on the international stage, his focus never shifts from why he started.
His message to the next generation is as simple as the advice his father gave him years ago:
“Just enjoy it. With that, everything else happens.”
“At Old Khaki, we believe the stories that inspire us most aren’t only about achievement. They’re about character, resilience and staying true to who you are. Jordan embodies everything that Materials That Matter stands for. His journey reminds us that success isn’t measured solely by what you accomplish, but by the purpose that drives you, the people you uplift and the values you carry with you every step of the way. We’re incredibly proud to share his story and celebrate another South African whose impact extends far beyond sport,” says Odile Hufkie, Head of Marketing at Old Khaki.
Jordan Hendrikse’s story forms the latest chapter of Raise The Bar, the sports pillar of Old Khaki’s Materials That Matter campaign. Through the series, Old Khaki celebrates athletes whose journeys are woven together by character, perseverance and purpose. Proving that the strongest foundations are built from the values we carry with us every day.
The full Materials That Matter story featuring Jordan Hendrikse is available on the Old Khaki blog and across Old Khaki’s social media channels.
