The Newcastle Boschpick Highlanders celebrated the end of yet another successful rugby season by hosting the annual general meeting and prize-giving ceremony on Saturday at the rugby club in Arbor Park.
Opening the meeting, chairman, Alistair van Wyk, said the NKZN and Puma Leagues ‘went off extremely well this past season.’
“It was great to see the improvement and the commitment from the teams. It was also pleasing to receive our grant early in the season – so thank you to our new president, Graham Mckenzie, for ensuring amateur rugby is well treated” he said.
He congratulated all the players and coaches who did well over the past season and who qualified for various teams including the Gert Sibande team.
“I thank the coaches for their dedication throughout the season. We also had ladies who started to attend training. To Portia, Sabelo, and Collen – keep up the good work to ensure that ladies’ rugby grows from strength to strength.”
He mentioned that the majority of the club’s budget is spent on taxi and transport fees as most of their players travel from Madadeni and Osizweni to attend practice and games – for which Van Wyk said he was grateful.
Referees thanked
He thanked the referees for officiating their home games as well as their medic, Jana, for her help during the past season.
“To the committee: thank you for standing for the positions that makes up the team. Andrè Swanepoel – thank you for being the main man controlling the ship. Keep up the effort in ensuring that this club keeps growing. The number of players at practice affirms that you and the coaching team are doing something right. Lastly, to the supporters who come out and cheer for our boys, thank you,” he concluded.
Head coaches’ report
Director of coaching, Andrè Swanepoel, delivered his report that detailed various aspects of the past year.
“It was a good season and all goals were achieved. Practices were well attended. The players’ attitudes have also improved, and it showed in this year’s results,” said Swanepoel.
He added that the club needed to improve the coaching staff, as each team needed at least two coaches.
He stated they would be looking at motivating more people to come on board as Highlander coaches. He commented that he couldn’t complain about the referees:
“We appreciate your efforts. It is good to see our players also refereeing school and club games; we are very fortunate to have top referees assisting our club.”
He also thanked the NKZNRSU council for supporting club rugby and the Puma Rugby Union for allowing players to participate in the Puma Premier League and Karel Pieter for supporting the Gert Sibande team.
He congratulated the third team who were crowned the NKZN winners of the President’s League.
“We won our first two away games and all our home games. Our attitude to score more tries leaves us with a DNA of playing expansive rugby. A huge plus for us is the number of young and talented players we have.
“We need to ensure that the talented players in town, who are not playing for our club, join us… this will ensure that the future will look even better!”
Swannie congratulated players who excelled throughout the year before thanking every person, spouse, and sponsor for adding to the club’s success.
This was followed by the club captain’s report, which was read by Henk Booysen.
The committee was also re-elected as follows:
- Chairman: Alistair van Wyk
- Vice Chairman: Portia Watson
- Secretary: Gabby East
- Director of Coaches: André ‘Swanie’ Swanepoel
- Additional member: Andrew van der Westhuizen
- Additional member: Eddie Matthee
- Additional member: Francois Renison
The AGM concluded with the annual prize giving, which saw various players being recognised for their talent and skill on the field.
Congratulations to the following winners:
- Sportsmen of the Year: Mnelisi
- Senior Player of the Year: Giraffe
- Junior Player of the Year: Mnelisi
- Team of the Year: First Team
- Most Loyal Player of the Year: Wynand
- Player with the most potential: Shaka
- Most Improved Player: Sebenza
- Clubman of the Year: Henk
- Most Tries Scored: Mnelisi (14 tries)
- Most points scored: Minnie (93 points)
- Attended most practices: Wynand (58 out of 63 practices)
- Most Sportsmanship: Daniël
- Committee Member of the Year: Frans
- Handles: Nipho
- Best Defence: Kheswa
- Best Women’s Forward: Nosipho Hlatswayo
- Best women’s backline: Amanda Ndlandla
- Mascot of the Year: TJ the Jack Russell.
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