All systems go for ‘Panne’ in 2019
According to stalwart club chairperson Harry Nieuwenhuis, things will only get better in this new year.
Following what can only be described as a dismal 2018 for perennial club rugby powerhouses Brakpan Rugby Club in league competitions, the famous old club is striving to bounce back strongly in 2019.
According to stalwart club chairperson Harry Nieuwenhuis, things will only get better in this new year.
“We had a great offseason with the senior guys between October and December last year,” he said.
“Training started officially at the club on January 8 and the numbers are there.
“We will be playing in the Volcano Super League competition with the Blue Bulls, Leopard and Valke clubs, consisting of approximately 11 games plus a semi-final and a final.
“Our priority, however, will be to win the Peregrine competition of the Valke Rugby Union to qualify for the 2020 Gold Cup again.”
This season the Brakpan Rugby Club first XV will be coached by Braam Booysen, Derek Sampson and long-time club man Theo Becker.
Also read: Panne win but don’t advance to semi-final
The club’s second XV will be coached by Alan Champman and Jason de Kock while the young gun u-21 side will be coached by Dalton Botha, Dirk Grobler and Sybrand van der Merwe.
Off the field, Nieuwenhuis and his management committee are hard at work.
“As explained last year, we will be focusing strongly on our new business network, the Brakpan Rugby Business Initiative, to involve our community in our great club. We have already received an excellent response from several local businesses.
“Further to that we have appointed a strong financial team to assist with the marketing and financial requirements of our club, and they have already made a tremendous difference to our financial goals.
“We are set for a great comeback year and our management and administrative structures, players, coaches and team managers have worked extremely hard to get the Panne ready for a successful 2019.”
Nieuwenhuis added that prospective new rugby players can get involved by turning up for training sessions every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30pm.
Contact the club secretary, Sarel Korf, on 082 317 4951 for more information.
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