Elephants face Bulldogs in Bay SA Cup derby
Coveted provincial derby bragging rights will be at stake when age-old rivals the EP Elephants and Border Bulldogs collide in the new 10-team SA Cup competition in Gqeberha on May 4.
Emotions always run high when EP face Border and both teams will be eager to assert their dominance in a match that could be played at NMU Stadium.
The competition will comprise SA’s non-franchise teams, excluding the Bulls, Lions, Stormers and Sharks, and will be played over a single round.
Playing in the SA Cup against professional teams such as the Cheetahs, Pumas and Griquas will not be an easy assignment for EP head coach Dumisani Mhani and his squad of 42 players.
EP kick off their campaign with a home match against the Falcons on March 23 and then travel to face Currie Premier Division outfit the Pumas in Mbombela on March 30.
The toughest game of the season is likely to be a daunting clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on April 13.
It is not yet known who Mhani’s assistant coaches will be for the new campaign.
EP Rugby have advertised for a dynamic “results driven” assistant coach, but are yet to announce the successful applicant.
Last season, Mhani was assisted by Wayne van Heerden (forwards coach), Lefty Dukashe (backline), David Maidza (technical analyst) and Rafiek Hermans (manager).
Apart from a number of experienced hardheads, the EP squad also features several upand-coming young guns who impressed in the 2023 EPRU Grand Challenge club competition.
Gardens flyhalf Ruben de Vos will be looking to shine in the provincial team after helping his club side beat Kruisfontein United in the Grand Challenge final.
Former Southern Kings lock Lubabalo “Giant” Mtyanda has returned from a stint playing overseas in France and Italy, and will add extra beef to
EP’s pack.
Loose forward Diego Williams and centre Sherwin Slater, who co-captained EP last year, have both been included in the squad.
“EP have to work hard and prepare for the new season, and be ready for kickoff,” Mhani said.
“At this stage, everything is going according to plan and everybody is positive.
“We are still looking for players in some positions and a team is never finalised until the end of the season.
“EP are looking at having a few friendlies and everyone is looking forward to the new season.”
Mhani said EP were on track to return to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for their home matches.
“The EP executive are working around the clock on that matter.”
EP fixtures (home teams first):
March 23: EP v Falcons
March 30: Pumas v EP
April 6: EP v SWD Eagles
April 13: Cheetahs v EP
April 20: Leopards v EP
April 27: EP v Griquas
May 4: EP v Border Bulldogs
May 11: Griffons v EP
May 18: EP v Boland Cavaliers
EP Elephants squad:
Props: Zuki Sali (Gardens), Keenan Frieslaar (Harlequins), Siya Nzuza, Andile Ngonyama, Luxolo Khoza.
Hookers: Tembekile Boltina, Charlie van Jaarsveld (Harlequins), Kaylim Cordier (NMU Madibaz), Deon Plaatjies (Progress). Locks: Lubabalo “Giant” Mtyanda, Ayabonga Nomboyo (EL Police), Sanwell Jacobs (Progress), Lungisile Mbiko, Gerrit Huisamen (Park), Juandre Van Rensburg (Park).
Loose forwards: Diego Williams (Trying Stars), Thulani Njenje (Harlequins), Laken Gray (NMU Madibaz), Sibulele Nanto (Progress), Chriszuan Slabbert (Harlequins), Athi Manentsa, Ruaan Claasen (Park). Jonathan Daniels, Leon van der Merwe (NMU Madibaz). Scrumhalves: Sonwabo Majola (Progress), Wayne Ngubane, Octavian Miller (Despatch Oostelikes).
Flyhalves: Emilio Adonis (Tygerberg), Ruben de Vos (Gardens), Darryl Karmeel (Jeffreys Bay), Chadwell Jeggels (Brumbies).
Centres: Sherwin Slater, Troy Delport (NMU Madibaz), Riaan Arendse (Progress), Aya Oliphant.
Wings: Charles Goeda (Jeffreys Bay), Rodney Damons (Jeffreys Bay), Davian Swanepoel (Progress) Jayden Bantom (Kruisfontein), Jaydee Jooste.
Fullbacks: Xolela Payi (African Bombers), Shaun Barney (Gardens).