Chiefs fan Mvovo excited to play at Pirates’ home ground

FOR Springbok and South Africa A wing, Lwazi Mvovo, stepping onto the turf at Orlando Stadium tonight to face the French Barbarians will be like going deep into enemy territory.

But for tonight and tonight only, Mvovo will call Orlando Stadium home and along with his SA A teammates, will be looking at securing a 2-0 series whitewash.

A passionate Kaizer Chiefs fan, Mvovo, has embraced South African rugby’s venture of playing a rugby match in the township which also happens to be the home of Orlando Pirates.

However, Mvovo will put aside all his personal feelings, especially on the football front, and will look to put in another match-winning performance.

Along with fellow Springboks Lionel Mapoe, Francois Venter, Trevor Nyakane, Jano Vermaak and Handre Pollard, Mvovo says the team will be looking at landing the fatal blow against a stubborn French team in the same way they did at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last weekend.

“I am a Kaizer Chiefs fan but I am looking forward to playing here,” said Mvovo.

“Everyone is excited in the same way they were about last week when we made history in being the first team to play rugby at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. This week will be no different and the team will be going out to express themselves. All of the guys haven’t played here before, but we are very excited and looking forward to the game.”

SA A head coach Johan Ackermann echoed Mvovo’s words in seeking a step up in performance from his troops.

With the benefit of another week together, Ackermann believes that his team will be better with their structure both on attack and defence.

“The reality is that most of the players had gone three weeks without any contact and match sharpness. I do believe we were a bit soft in our ball collision and carries, but that comes with match fitness,” said Ackermann.

“But out of a structure point of view and preparing the team, the extra three days was helpful.”