We owe the Steval Pumas

Those of us that were at Mbombela Stadium last Friday to witness the Steval Pumas thrash the EP Kings are just recovering from the euphoria of the occasion. To see the Pumas stand up and be counted was special. This is a team of champions.

However a more important task lies ahead for the Pumas, one that will define the destiny of professional rugby in the Lowveld.

The Steval Pumas will face GWK Griquas in Kimberley on Friday night and the same opponents in Nelspruit next Friday, in a promotion / relegation mini league.

The team that has the most log points after the two games, using the Currie Cup log-points allocation system, will play in the Premier Division next season. The other will play in the First Division.

It is a matter of both team remaining in their present leagues, or the Pumas being promoted and the Griquas being relegated.

If they are promoted, this will not only be a financial boost for the Pumas, but will also mean the likes of The Sharks, Cheetahs and WesternProvince will play at Mbombela Stadium. These teams have a far bigger following in the Lowveld the Boland, SWD and the Leopards. It will mean more bums in stadium seats.

But this all hinges on 160 minutes of rugby.

To the Pumas: Thank you for what you have done since relocating to Nelspruit. You have delivered on all promises. You have embraced your new home. Your humbleness, passion, dedication and team spirit matches your physical feats on the field.

Get to a television tomorrow night to cheer the Pumas. Plan now to be at Mbombela Stadium next Friday night. Every extra voice, every decibel louder will spur the Pumas on.

The Steval Pumas have a new home. Now it’s time to show them who their family is.

Please join us on Lowvelder’s Facebook and Twitter tomorrow night to discuss the match. A half-time match update and a full-time article and photos will be uploaded on the various websites of Lowveld Media.