Edenvale Rugby Club ready for a year of celebrations
“Rugby is the main reason we are members of the club, but it isn't the only reason."
As Edenvale Rugby Club gears up to celebrate 70 years of history, community members and supporters can look forward to a year of rugby and celebrations.
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Established in 1952, the club has gone through highs and lows but perseveres.
Dick van Loggerenberg, the vice-chairperson of the club and former coach for Kempton Park Rugby Club (the Wolves), said this year the club will host several fund-raisers and community projects.
He welcomed community members, former players and members to become involved in the club.
First on the club’s list of plans for a memorable year will be to host an invitational rugby day on March 26 at Edenvale Rugby Stadium.
On the day, several teams will battle it out, as the community enjoys a rugby-filled day, market stalls and more.
Other events include a men’s evening in May, a golf day at Huddle Park in June and a potjiekos competition and fund-raiser for the SPCA in October.
Van Loggerenberg, who played for the Tendella Golden Oldies while they were at Kempton Park, said some of his earliest memories are of Edenvale Rugby Club.
“I remember watching my dad, uncle and many of the current Tendellas playing. That is when I knew rugby would be my sport.
“We grew up next to the fields, playing Currie Cup finals matches pretending to be Schalk Naudè, Hugo van As, Wahl Bartmann, Naas Botha, Andre Joubert or Uli Schmidt.”
Van Loggerenberg said when not playing rugby, he and the other children were ball boys trying to catch every ball kicked out of play.
Van Loggerenberg explained work and family commitments led to him leaving the Wolves coaching team.
While at Edenvale, van Loggerenberg created long-lasting friendships, memories and bonds.
“I believe Edenvale Rugby Club will always be a part of me, and with my son being eight, I hope he will develop the same love and respect for the sport,” said van Loggerenberg.
“Rugby is the main reason we are members of the club, but it isn’t the only reason. It has to be enjoyable. You come to practice, play in matches, win some and lose some, but a week later, you don’t remember the score.”
Van Loggerenberg said when a member of a rugby club, you make friends for life and become part of a brotherhood.
Edenvale Rugby Club invited passionate and enthusiastic rugby players to join the club and help it grow.
Chairperson of the club Ernie Enslin said the club has approximately 63 active senior players who reside in Edenvale, Kempton Park, Thembisa, Boksburg, Benoni and Roodepoort.
He said since the Tendella’s returned to Edenvale Rugby Stadium, the club’s numbers were bolstered by over 40 players in addition to welcoming 10 youth players to the club.
“Although we have been attracting members, we need more players, specifically u-21 players,” said Enslin.
To book a stall for the invitational rugby day, contact Enslin on 072 543 6060 or van Loggerenberg on 082 588 0048.
For more information, contact the club on:
• Ernie Enslin (Edenvale seniors) – 072 543 6060
• Dick van Loggerenberg (Edenvale seniors) – 082 588 0048
• Jonathan Shaw (Tendella Oldies) – 084 951 1740
• Nicholas Mackenzie (Edenvale u-21) – 082 627 2407
• Ettiene Kinnear (Edenvale youth rugby) – 082 049 2319
• Julian Lewis (Edenvale youth rugby) – 060 895 0063
Alternatively, follow Edenvale Rugby Club and the Tendella Golden Oldies on Facebook.
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