‘Bullied’ side tough it out
Police win after losing all 2018 Super 12 matches
East London Police claim they were “bullied and beaten” when they won their second Super 12 title in Port Elizabeth at the weekend.
The local heroes, based at Police Park, outplayed PE Police 26-13 at Kemsley Park in PE following tries from Sikhangele Mateza, flyhalf Odwa Rasmeni, Siya Grey, who has played for EP Kings, and Mfundo Mtshilita.
Police coach Kauta Gqabantshi said without the motivation from his players, it would have been virtually impossible to return home with the trophy. They last won the tournament two years ago.
Gqabantshi accused PE Police of “playing dirty” and being violent. He also questioned the way in which Border Rugby referees handled the match. Tournament organisers have denied any foul play.
Gqabantshi said: “It was really sad seeing them allowing our players to be bullied and beaten because PE Police were playing a very dirty game.
“One of my players was punched in the face in front of the referee and he did nothing.
“Another player they attacked was Bonga Mntunjane, who was also attacked outside the field of play.
“That was very disappointing to see our referees doing nothHe ing about that.” said Sipho Xothonga had to receive stitches above his right eye after he was allegedly punched during the game, while Siphosihle Phunguza sustained a blue eye.
“After the game, PE Police refused to take a picture with us, which was okay, but I’m happy we won the trophy. Last season, my boys lost every game in this tournament.
The Daily Dispatch was unable to reach PE Police for comment at time of writing on Monday. However, Super 12 Tournament director Phumelele Hlati denied any wrongdoing on the part of match referees or PE Police players.
“I was there, there’s no truth to these allegations.”
Hlati said EL Police should instead focus on their tournament win.
“To me that takes the gloss out of what they’ve achieved. If they want to go that way, it means people are not going to concentrate on the fact that last year they lost all their games [in the tournament]. This year they played semi-finals away and final and they won.”
Gqabantshi said his team was hungry for a win. The former Border Bulldogs player said doing their homework before the final gave them the upperhand.
“What helped us the most was watching PE Police when they were playing against Progress in the semi-finals.
“That’s where we were able to come with a game plan for the final, because that’s where I saw they are strong in their forward line and whatever they do, they use a fast pace and that always gave them an advantage.
“We were scrumming the whole week, and we were focusing on fitness as well, and we knew should we focus on countering their strong points they wouldn’t have a plan.”
Gqabantshi also said Xolani Mbombo played a vital role in the game. “He is one of our ball carriers and he’s very good in the defence,” he said.