Fan-tastic support gets Mdantsane the big one
SuperSport Challenge semis come home
THE SUPERSPORT Challenge is back in Mdantsane with a bang this weekend as the semifinals of the competition are set to be battled out at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Sunday.
In a surprising turn the doubleheader will be played at the stadium after consultation between all relevant stakeholders and DHL Western Province offered to forgo their homeground advantage.
“When SuperSport had the first five festivals during the group stage of the competition they were keeping an eye out for the biggest turnouts,” said SuperSport Rugby Challenge media officer Simnikiwe Xabanisa.
“We had a great reception in Port Elizabeth at the Wolfson Stadium and a lot of the venues were quite nice. Personally I loved Oudtshoorn, but Mdantsane outstripped all of the places in terms of numbers and the enthusiasm shown on the day.
“Two of the big teams in the semifinal have given up home advantage to come and play in Mdantsane and that shows the spirit of what the SuperSport Rugby Challenge is all about.”
Just over 14 000 spectators packed the Sisa Dukashe venue during the previous festival at the ground and despite the home team, the Border Bulldogs not being involved, another bumper crowd is expected this weekend.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to host this prestigious event and when we received the news yesterday we welcomed it with both hands as the City has shown in many other events that we are capable of hosting events,” said Border Rugby marketing manager Akhona Mgijima.
“Credit must go to the people of the East London and surroundings for their passion for the game, when they came in numbers to support rugby during the SuperSport rugby festival held in Mdantsane a few weeks ago.”
During the first SuperSport Challenge festival held at the Sisa Dukashe stadium, the day started with a club match between Swallows and Winter Rose, with Swallows coming out on top, followed by the Eastern Province Kings narrowly beating the South Western District Eagles 24-21, and then Western Province beating the host Border Bulldogs 45-7.
“I spoke to a number of the coaches afterwards and I remember Robbie Kempston (EP Kings coach) saying that the Eastern Cape is rugby country and John Dobson (Western Province coach) saying that it was a special occasion, and this is the main reason that it is coming back,” said Xabanisa.
“Western Province had the choice of saying that they can take it to another stadium in Cape Town but they were happy to come back after admitting that they had had a great time last time out.”
This weekend’s action will kick off with what should be a cracking club encounter between MPM Old Selbornians and Swallows in the Border Super League.
The semifinals will then follow, with the Xerox Golden Lions taking on the Tafel Lager Griquas, and DHL Western Province playing the Vodacom Blue Bulls.
“The entry is free for everyone and people must come in numbers,” urged Mgijima.
People can collect tickets at the Buffalo City and Sisa Dukashe Stadiums from Thursday during office hours, and they will also be available at the gate on matchday.