Limpopo North team to take on Platteland Challenge
A total of 25 rugby players, who played in the Limpopo North League, will have a chance to impress at the Northam Platinum Platteland Challenge.
POLOKWANE – The challenge, which will be played at Loftus Versfeld, is an initiative by the Blue Bulls Rugby Union (BBRU) to give club rugby players more exposure.
The Limpopo North team comprises players from Kruinie, Louis Trichardt, Potties, Letaba, Nkowankowa and Noordelikes rugby clubs.
Andre Hay of Kruinies and Danie Pita of Louis Trichardt are tasked with the coaching of the team that will face a BBRU Platteland XV side on Saturday.
Hay shared that players from the various clubs had to play trials, and these trials were held in Polokwane in August.
“We have a well-balanced squad with youngsters and more experienced players, who will be able to do the job on the day. They should make the most of the opportunity and leave everything on the field. They must give their all during those 80 minutes, even those who will come off the bench.”
Former South African rugby player Gert Smal, in his role as pathway development and training co-ordinator, will keep a keen eye on the players in action.
Hay added that the players are ready to make an impression and that he hopes at least one of them impresses the selectors. “It will be a successful initiative if at least one player is offered a contract by the Blue Bulls.”
BBRU president Willem Strauss said the initiative forms part of the BBRU’s strategy to make club rugby relevant and to create pathways to provincial and professional rugby for players from amateur structures. “I would like to thank Northam Platinum and their CEO, Paul Dunne, not only for the sponsorship but also for their contribution to amateur rugby for many years,” Strauss added. Dunne was quoted to have said Northam Platinum is excited to sponsor the challenge. “We hope to help uncover talent among those players who don’t always have a platform which provides exposure for further development. We look forward to the event, as well as the successes that will come from it.”
Squad: Rudi Hattingh, Sias Willemse, Heinrich Schoeman, Ricus Nel, JC Venter, Johnny Blaauw, Pieter de Witt, Jandre van der Heyde, Roelf Venter, Juan Vos, Marnus van Niekerk, Martin Theunissen, Sidwell Kubayi, Ali Sefole, Inka Shirilele, Vhutshilo Munyai, Markus Sebuku, Frans Pohl, Jacques Pretorius, Meinrich Frauendorf, Hans du Plessis, Zander Byleveldt, Juandre du Plessis, Duncan Moody, David Mandiwana, Shima Mpalele, Thebele Spoed and Vussie Nyambi.
