Mdantsane rewarded for rugby enthusiasm

THE SuperSport Rugby Challenge returns to Mdantsane with a bang this weekend, when the semifinals 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 the relevant stakeholders and Western Province offered to forgo their home-ground advantage.

“When SuperSport had the first five festivals in the group stage of the competition, an eye was kept out for the biggest turnouts,” SuperSport Rugby Challenge media officer Simnikiwe Xabanisa said.

“We had a great reception in Port Elizabeth, at the Wolfson Stadium, and a lot of the venues were nice – personally, I loved Oudshoorn – but Mdantsane outstripped all of the places in terms of numbers and the enthusiasm shown.

“Two of the big teams in the semifinal have given up home advantage to play in Mdanstane. That shows what the spirit of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge is all about.”

More than 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 rugby crowd is expected at the weekend.

Border Rugby marketing manager Akhona Mgijima said: “We are very excited to have the opportunity to host this prestigious event.

“Credit must go to the people of East London and its surrounds for their game passion when they came in numbers to support rugby during the SuperSport rugby festival in Mdantsane a few weeks ago.”

At the first SuperSport Challenge festival at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium, the day started with a club match between Swallows and Winter Rose, with Swallows coming out on top.

This was followed by the EP Kings beating the South Western District Eagles 24-21 and then Western Province beating the hosts, Border Bulldogs, 45-7.

Xabanisa said: “I spoke to a number of the coaches afterwards and I remember [EP Kings coach] Robbi Kempson saying that the Eastern Cape is rugby country and [WP coach] John Dobson calling it a special occasion, and this is the main reason that it is coming back.

“Western Province were happy to come back after saying that they had had a great time last time out.”

The action starts with a cracking club clash between the Old Selbornians and Swallows.

Then the semifinals follow, between the Golden Lions and Griquas and WP versus the Blue Bulls.