Bulldogs to put bite on Valke
Team’s fine run attributed to unity of purpose
BORDER Bulldogs legend Thobile Mtya attributes the East London outfit’s run of good form to unity among players, union management and the technical staff.
Border have managed a threematch winning streak, with their latest victory recorded last weekend away from home at the expense of Boland.
Mtya, although “extremely happy” about Border’s perfect record so far in the Currie Cup qualifiers after two wins from as many outings, cautioned against over-excitement and urged players to remain humble.
The former Swallows flank believes Border will face a determined Valke in their third appearance of the qualifiers at the BCM Stadium on Friday.
The rivalry between the two is well documented with Mtya saying: “Bulldogs will have to be at their best on Friday and forget about wins against Griquas and Boland because this will be war.”
Bulldogs co-coach Elliot Fana added: “We will play according to our strength which is what has been working for us ... I also do not see Falcons matching our intensity.”
Mtya expects the Gauteng side to come out guns blazing and advised Border to starve them of the ball in the opening 20 “because I know if they do not score within the first 20 minutes, they run out of ideas and that is when Bulldogs should take control of the game”.
He added: “So far so good and all thanks to unity and respect for one another in the entire Border family, something that had become foreign in recent years. I, too, did not expect such a string of good results in a short space of time but the players are surely punching above their weight. Such positive attitude, teamwork, spirit and sheer hard work is unknown at Border but it is good for morale.”
Bulldogs, the only side without a blemish so far in this year’s qualifiers, find themselves in pole position for lucrative promotion to the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division if they top the log when the qualifiers come to an end later this month.
Mtya though suggested promotion would not be financially viable for Border who are one, if not the poorest, rugby union in South Africa.
Instead, the former Black Springbok flank proposed that Bulldogs rather continue with their winning ways in order to attract potential sponsors for 2017, a year he believes Border will be ready, financially and otherwise, to compete in the toptier domestic league.
Bulldogs’ qualifiers will also get tougher because, after the clash with Valke, they are scheduled for back-to-back away matches against SWD Eagles and Griffons before closing their campaign against Leopards at home later this month.