Coetzee visits home

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee will receive a hero’s welcome in Grahamstown on Tuesday. The Springboks are currently in Port Elizabeth where they will face Ireland in the third and final test of the Castle Lager Incoming Series. The teams have won a test each in the series and coach Coetzee will be hoping his Springboks can complete a series win in Port Elizabeth.

Makana Municipality in collaboration with Grahamstown Black Rugby Heritage and South-Eastern District Rugby Union (Sedru) has organised a day-long programme to honour Coetzee in his home town.

Organisers confirmed this week that Coetzee will be in Grahamstown on Tuesday to greet residents.

Organiser Phumzile Adam said they are looking forward to welcoming Coetzee to Grahamstown, adding that it’s a “dream come true, as we fought for a coach with merit to be appointed for the national team”.

The day’s activities will start with a parade from the Drostdy Arch at 10am.

The parade, made up of Grahamstown rugby clubs, will lead Coetzee to the City Hall, where Executive Mayor Nomhle Gaga will welcome him.

Then a motorcade will proceed from High Street to Currie Street, through Ghosttown, Albany Road, Scotts Farm, Albert Street and M Street, ending at Miki Yili Stadium.

Adam said it will be a proud occasion as Coetzee comes “back to his roots”.

The motorcade will include a stop-over at Coetzee’s family home in Currie Street, as well as at the Dakawa Art Centre where the Black Rugby Exhibition, which includes photographs of Coetzee, is displayed.

Coetzee will address the Miki Yili crowds ahead of a match between the Mary Waters and Nathaniel Nyaluza first rugby sides. The match is scheduled for 2pm.

The activities will then move across to the new In- door Sports Centre for an invited guests event. The speakers at this event will include the mayor, Coetzee and Gerry Accom.

Adam encouraged Grahamstown residents to fill the streets as the motorcade makes its way to Miki Yili Stadium. Adam hopes the stadium will also be filled with residents.

Adam urged clubs to get together and join the parade from Drostdy Arch to the City Hall.