Local rugby giants host this year’s awards ceremony in jubilant spirit with community members

The club deputy chairperson of the Alexandra rugby giants, Alex Wolves, Philemon Mothegane has hailed the hard-working players and administrators of the club for it success in the 2019 Golden Lions Rugby Challenge.

The club recently hosted players’ awards for this season at East Bank High School to honour those who offered their best performance on and off the field and helped the team achieve its targets of the season.

Speaking at the event, Mothegane recalled how difficult it was for them as rugby coaches at the time to get youngsters into the game due to resistance from schools and parents.

He said the success of the club was mostly dependent on players, administrators, management, and parents who were the most important stakeholders.

“Today we are not only celebrating the club and players’ success but also celebrate the end of resistance against rugby as a sport in our community,” he said. “I remember that when we introduced rugby into Alex schools in 2007, no one wanted to work with us including teachers. Many parents refused to allow their children to participate in rugby. The success of the club depends on a collective work of players, team management and parents who trusted us with their children.”

Usher Mophosa, an U21 forward who scooped both player of the year and player’s player of the year award, thanked the club management and his teammates for their support on and off the field.

“Playing rugby from an early age taught me discipline not only in the field of play but in everything I do,” he said. “The support from the club’s management and my teammates is amazing… these two awards can belong to each and everyone in the club. I hope next year all the club’s divisions will bring home titles.”

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