FIERCE competition between the 80 teams which participated in five sporting codes marked the weekend proceedings at the Tshwane 10s.
Three different sporting codes hosted in the proceedings included rugby, netball and dodgeball.
The Tshwane 10s proved a success story, first making its way to Cape Town and followed by a brief visit to Johannesburg, and now finding its way at the Loftus Versfeld, the home of the Vodacom Blue Bulls.
“We wish the Bulls Family a warm welcome to the Tshwane 10s. We know that all of our 100-plus teams will find it a huge honour to take to your grounds, compete under your brand, and will fully embrace the sportsmanship and pride that is synonymous with the Vodacom Bulls,” said Tshwane 10s Festival director, Gerhardi Odendaal.
In addition to the 50 plus rugby teams that were expected to enter, the festival hosted teams drawn from netball, dodgeball, hockey and soccer codes.
Friends, family and fans from far and wide entered their teams to take a shot at the bragging rights in the finals.
Blue Bulls CEO Alfons Meyer believes the event will go a long way in both welcoming new audiences to the Vodacom Bulls precinct, and rewarding the old faithful with a game of rugby on the Loftus grounds.
“I did not hesitate at this relationship opportunity as we constantly strive towards innovative ideas to reach new audiences while remaining true to who we are as an iconic sporting brand. In addition to our inaugural hosting of the Tshwane 10s, we witnessed our first time hosting of a netball tournament at our professional rugby stadium.”
The festival included familiar faces for rugby lovers with the VIP Oakheart Invitational Team being the key feature made up of Bakkies Botha, Gareth “SoldierBoy” McLellan, Jacques Burger, Ethienne Reynecke, Edrich Linde, Jacques Muller, Jonathan Mokuena, Nico Luus, Riaan Erwee, Christiaan Snyman, Joe van der Berg and Sam Gerber.
Tshwane 10s ambassador, Bakkies Botha, and former Namibia captain, Jacques Burger, shared their views of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
“It’s a particular highlight of mine as we see over 100 sporting teams try their hand at their chosen sport. We give it all we’ve got while out at play, but post the final whistle we’re mates that’ll share the Loftus sunshine, beers and laughter, and celebrating all that is good about life and South Africa.
“I personally look forward to meeting new people, playing the game I love, and taking to the Loftus ground once again after countless years and many memories,” said Botha.
