Returning players to boost Kings in Super campaign

PORT ELIZABETH: The Southern Kings are upbeat that three players have returned from injuries, they announced yesterday.

They are loose-forwards Chris Cloete (knee), Sintu Manjezi (knee) and hooker Tango Balekile (shoulder). They returned to full training with the rest of the squad on Monday.

While the trio will be involved in full contact training with the squad this week, they will not be available for the Kings’ friendly match against the Border Bulldogs in East London on Saturday.

As a precautionary measure, Cloete, Manjezi and Balekile will sit out the match at Buffalo Stadium (kick-off at 5.15pm), but will be available to play in the Kings’ last friendly match against the SWD Eagles in Port Elizabeth on February 11.

This is before the side kicks off their Super Rugby campaign against the Jaguares on February 25.

Winger Wandile Mjekevu continues to make good progress and is in his final stage of rehab for his foot injury.

Still on the long-term injury list is flanker CJ Velleman (knee), who is expected to be back on the field in April.

Meanwhile, the Kings have gained more experience in the scrumhalf position after securing the services of skilled No 9 Louis Schreuder ahead of the start of the Super Rugby campaign.

The 26-year-old Schreuder joins the Kings as the team continue with preparations for the start of the season.