POLOKWANE – The Vodacom Blue Bulls were crowned the champions of Mapungubwe Cup after they beat the Suzuki Griquas by 28-19 in a thrilling match played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium last Wednesday.
The match started with a curtain raising duel between Westax Rugby Club and Noordelikes Rugby Club which ended 31-19 in favour of Noordelikes.
Noordelikes coach Hendrik van Jaarsveldt said he was happy to see his players performing well in front of a large crowd.
“Most of the players were nervous because they were playing in front of a big crowd for the first time. We thought the stage would get the better of them but rugby is rugby and players can play it anywhere.”
He added that the players from Westax and Noordlikes had an opportunity to interact with those from the Vodacom Blue Bulls and the Suzuki Griquas.
“They asked them about their success journey and how they became professionals and the players shared some of their success tips with them. It was a great day and the players enjoyed their matches.”
The Pretoria based rugby power house, Vodacom Blue Bulls used the match to unveil some of their new players including Springbok player Aphiwe Dyantyi, and Phiwe Nomlomo who has been appointed as the head coach of the 2024 Carling Currie Cup campaign.
Nomlomo will work alongside Werner Kruger, Jean Tiedt and Kennedy Tsimba.
Dyantyi, who penned a two-year deal with the club said: “This feels like a second opportunity. It will be good to be in an environment like the one the Vodacom Bulls have, almost very familiar considering that I was down the highway during the start of my career.”
He added that he has spent over 10 years in Gauteng.
“It is familiar territory and this move feels like me coming home. I am closer to family and friends, a support structure that has been so important for me over the years. I hope to enjoy my time with the Loftus family.”
The match was attended by the rugby community in Polokwane and surrounding areas as well as Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Sport MEC Jerry Maseko, Treasury MEC Kgabo Mahoai, Public Works MEC Sebataolo Rachoene and the MEC of Health, Dieketseng Masesi Mashego.
