Passion drives change at Brakpan Rugby Club

The conditions at Bosman Stadium have not been great over the last few years. The decay at the stadium became so bad that the Brakpan Cricket Club decided to shut down.

The past few months, however, have seen things changing as a number of people have taken up the task of fixing the grounds and making an improvement.

The areas around the stadium have also been receiving a major clean-up. One of the people making a difference is former rugby player and Brakpan Rugby Club’s new marketing director, Frikkie Bosman.

The grandson of the man after whom the stadium is named believes that the passion people have for the town and the rugby club will see things improve.

“It is amazing what this community can do,” he told the Brakpan Herald.

“You need strong people and I happen to know the strong people. They support the cause although they don’t want to be named and now you can see what’s happening.”

Bosman also wishes to see the rugby club reclaim its former glory.

“I suggested that the club needs to have more modern ways of thinking and start working from the outside and not the inside of the club. Basically start cleaning around the place as it is looking bad,” he said.

“It’s amazing what is happening now. It’s not me, it’s the community. It’s the people and it’s the sponsors. One must always honour the people in the community that play a part. It’s also the club’s committee.”

Bosman also feels that there will be better days for the club on the playing field.

“Watch this space. The improvement will not just be on the outside but the inside is the important part. The club will be good again. We are planning to be among the top 20 clubs in the country,” he said.

Of course the marketing man is not predicting overnight success.

“It’s not a one-year plan, it’s not a two-year plan but it’s a Brakpan plan,” he said.

Bosman has fond memories of growing up in the town he called ‘tough but lekker’.

“You don’t need to invite a Brakpan person to the party because he is the party. If you know the people whether they are poor or middle class, we stand together. I can see it in the community and what it means to them,” he said.

“We started a little spark and now the way the community is getting involved is amazing. We want to show the people that they must come back and support the club.

“It hasn’t been a nice part of town but we are going to make it nice for people and they’ll be safe. Just come and support us.

“We are going to be a force again but we need the people to come and support us. We want to make it entertaining.

“There are eight home games in a year. For eight Saturdays they can turn off the TV from the Stormers and Bulls to watch Brakpan play. Have a party with us.”