Komani rugby needs revival of glory days
Breakers are town’s last hope
While rugby is booming and on the rise in other areas like Mooiplaas, Kwa Maqoma, Komga and Ncera, with teams forcing their way into the Premier League, Super League, EC Super 14 and even the Gold Cup, it’s the total opposite in Komani, with an alarming decline in rugby.
The situation is dire, with only one team in the top leagues of Border rugby. Breakers is the sole representative of the Chris Hani region in the top tier Border Super League.
There is no representation in the Premier League after the demise of Shining Stars last season. The Mlungisi side was relegated after a disastrous season.
They find themselves in the bush leagues, the Chris Hani District First Division with Old Collegians and Progress, an absolute catastrophe for local rugby.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports, not only in SA, but internationally.
Rugby plays a major role in the development of communities.
However, in most townships and places like Komani, there has been a sharp decline over the past two decades, following an initial period of success and stability.
In the past, Komani was at the forefront in the development and progress of rugby in the region. Komani boasted four teams in the top structures of Border rugby in Swifts-Police, Breakers, Old Collegians and Progress, with Shining Stars and Hamiltons also competitive in the Premier League.
Today, Swifts-Police and Hamiltons have gone!
Some of the most prominent rugby players were produced on the fields of Mlungisi Stadium, Sandringham Stadium, Madeira Park and Dumpy Adams.
All of these stadiums are defunct and in a serious dilapidated state.
We can mention a few players, Haly Ciko, Brian Williams, Zet Skweyiya, Zola Madiba, Warren Lentoor, all superstars in their own rights, who have played provincial rugby for Border, who has graced these fields as homegrown talent.
Why do Komani rugby find themselves in this mess?
Don’t we have the calibre of rugby leaders and administrators to take rugby to the highest levels again? Has the quality of players coming through the ranks declined or has the talent just stagnated?
Do local players still have the hunger and drive to run out in a packed stadiums with guts and glory representing their team in front of their communities?
Looking back, Komani was equipped with credible administrators in the past.
Cliff Pringle was Border Rugby Union president. Luvuyo Mbebe served on the Border Rugby executive. With all of these individuals, who sat at the highest echelons of Border Rugby, what legacy have they left behind for Komani rugby? Sadly, none.
What factors can be attributed to the deteriorating state of rugby and the dwindling number of supporters at grounds. Is it a collaboration of factors between clubs, union, administrators, and the community?
Traces of maladministration and faulty personal agendas have been on the forefront, contributing to the decline.
It should also be noted that political environment and alliances within the different clubs play a major role, with players in the middle of tug-of-war between club administrators.
Having collected and collated different factors, there remain more questions than answers. For a sport that brings communities together, administrators need to take the lead, not for personal gain and agendas, but for the growth of the game.
Players need a change in attitude and to focus on the task at hand, which is to use their skills and potential to their full potential and ability.
The state of social cohesion is significant in elimination of conflict in groups, bring companionship and limits conflict situations. It also improves cooperative, relations, and knowledge.
For now, growth in the game locally is only a far-fetched dream.