Unlucky Jaguars fall at ‘last hurdle’
FIDELITY Security Jaguars, a breeding ground for black rugby stars, were dealt an unkind blow when they failed to qualify for the Premier League after drawing 22-22 against PMB Collegians in a promotion/relegation play-off.
Although they won the First Division unbeaten and secured the Dewar Shield against Newcastle Highlanders 31-23, the draw against relegation-threatened PMB Collegians was not enough to secure a berth in the uppermost tier of club rugby.
However, with the recent furore concerning the utterance of the “K” word on the rugby field, and the poor transformation record of the KZN Rugby Union, the Jaguars should be given a chance to play in the Premier League.
The Sydenham-based club has produced players of the ilk of JP Pieterson, Waylon Murray and Dusty Noble over the years and are ideally positioned to reap any benefits that transformation initiatives might throw their way as they obviously are no push-overs.
Coach Donald Ngwenya said: “We had a great season. Almost 80% of our players are black. The guys were looking forward to getting promoted but unfortunately we fell at the last hurdle.
“I suppose rules are rules and only a win would have gained us promotion.”
He added that he needed to thank Fidelity Security for its unstinting support throughout the year. Ex-Sharks superstar Wahl Bartmann is the CEO of Fidelity Security. He was a part of the Sharks team in 1990 when they won their first Currie Cup.