Sharks take Super Rugby to Durban townships
DURBAN — Following the success of their 2016 township tour which saw them play matches in Umlazi, Clermont and Kwa-Mashu, the Sharks have announced that they will be playing a Super Rugby warm-up clash against the Cheetahs this Friday in Umlazi.
The main match will take place at the King Zwelithini Stadium at 18:30.
This is the Sharks’ first “hit-out” since the conclusion of last year’s Currie Cup tournament and comes on the back of a rigorous 11-week pre-season training block.
Fans will get an opportunity to see their favourites, led by captain Pat Lambie, and get to witness first-hand the results of the team’s hard work over the past few weeks.
“We are looking forward to the match on Friday. We’ve had a gruelling pre-season programme and the energy and enthusiasm shown on the practice field has been fantastic,” said coach Rob du Preez.
“The players are eager to get the season started and it is also an opportunity for the coaching team to test combinations and see how the players go in the match.
SuperSport has confirmed that the main match will be broadcast live at 18:30.
Meanwhile, The Pumas are showing their commitment to underprivileged children in the Lowveld by deciding to go unshaven until June 1 to raise awareness and funds for the Woodhouse Community Centre orphanage in Mataffin.
The initiative aims to raise money for the construction of a much-needed library for the children.
The #Pumasbeardbrothers are encouraging members of the public to join the cause by growing their facial hair and donating the money normally used for shaving to the kids.
A collection point will be set up at the Milviforce petrol station on the N4 just past i’Langa Mall, where you can also donate other items such as books and stationery.
Mpumalanga Rugby CEO Pieter Burger, who will also be putting down his razor, said that he was impressed that the idea had come from within the playing squad.
“We are very impressed that the players came up with this idea themselves,” he said.
“It proves that they feel strongly about getting personally involved in bettering the lives of their community. We are always looking at worthy community initiatives to support throughout the year and this is the perfect start to 2017.”
The Pumas hope that their whiskered journey will spread to friends, family and fans, giving children the opportunity to learn to read and expand their world.— Sport24.