On Thursday, March 10 De Waal Nigrini handed over the new Eco Rubber Roodepoort Rugby Club match jersey for 2022 to club skipper Ronald Strydom.
The new kit takes the Roodepoort outfit down memory lane as they will be taking the field this season in their traditional black and white stripes.
Friday, March 11 saw Itec Advance West Rand host the club’s first of many sponsors networking sessions, promoting trade within the club.
Club chairman Theuns Naude proudly took the opportunity to do some show-and-touch on the first team’s match kit for 2022.
“Thank you to all the sponsors for coming through today; without your support we would have no club. Thank you to Sportpro South Africa for the kit,” said Theuns.
De Waal played for Stellenbosch University (Maties) from 1982 to 1988 under Dr Danie Craven and captained the side. Later he was selected to play for Western Province.
He moved to Johannesburg at the end of 1988 and the following year he was part of the Roodepoort Rugby Club team that went on to win the Toyota Club Championship.
De Waal was also one of the many Poorte players who played for Transvaal and gave the following advice to the players.
“Concentrate on your position and what you have to do, do not worry about the position next to you and do not have a fear for success.”
Poorte’s new coach Neil Kalify who had coached Wanderers for a long time kicked off the season with an impressive 51–0 victory over his old club on Saturday, March 12.
Poorte responded well under their new coach and scored eight tries courtesy of Boeta Piater, Clint Theron, Griffith van Wyk, Ruan du Toit, Ronald Strydom, Tiaan Naudé, Alexi Hall and Juandré van den Heever.
“Thank you to all the teams, coaches and management for a great day, and to all the spectators for a great turnout.
“Thank you to the Wanderers teams for a competitive day and we wish you all the best for the season ahead,” said Theuns.
With players such as Clint, Boeta and Ruan, the Poorte eight man position will look to present an exciting competition this season.
Poorte have received some depth in the lock position with the return of Rinus Bothma and JoJo Tshivashe, who started on the bench on Saturday.
