THE Eastern Province u/17 Sevens rugby squad is hard at work to make an impact at the national tournament.
After the recent final trials at Londt Park in Gqeberha, a squad of 12 players was named to represent the province from September 26 to 29 in Bethlehem.
“A lot of hard work lies ahead, but I am optimistic that we will do well,” said head coach Turtuis Douw.
The squad had a practice session this past weekend, and Douw added that there will be three more sessions before the team heads to Bethlehem.
“Our Sevens teams have been one of the best at the tournament for many years now.
“We have the raw talent. We have some dangerous attackers, and the key will be to execute the game plans that will align with the strength of the team,” Douw explained.
He was happy with what he saw at the trials, but Douw said it would be a different challenge to perform away from home.
Mikhulu Hoboshe, Damian Witbooi, Meyer Prinsloo, and Lthani Shoba are some of the players who make the coach very excited.
They impressed at the trials with their quick feet and effective running lines. These players will certainly test the defence of the opposition in Bethlehem.
“I am looking forward to the tournament. I can’t wait for it to begin,” Douw summed up the feeling in the EP camp.
When he released the names of the squad, the EP secretary, Neville Botha, stated that it is important that the fitness level and conditioning of the players are up to scratch to perform in the Sevens format.
Five players of Framesby High (Gqeberha), two each from Pearson High (Gqeberha) and Graeme College (Makhanda), and one each from Grey High, Westering High (both Gqeberha), and Aliwal North, are in the squad.
The inclusion of five players in the squad was not the only exciting news Framesby received recently. Framesby will be one of the newcomers to the popular North versus South Tournament next year.
The Gqeberha team will participate for the first time in this prestigious tournament, which will be held in Stellenbosch from March 29 to April 1. A regular opponent of Framesby, Nico Malan from Humansdorp, will also debut at the tournament. Altogether 30 schools will be represented.
Framesby will play against Duineveld (Upington) on the 29th and against Diamantveld (Kimberley) on the last day of the event. Some of the EP Sevens stars will be in action in the Nelson Mandela Bay Rugby 10s to be held on November 30 and December 1.
Schools can enter their teams by sending an email to tursuisr@gmail.com
The EP u/17 Sevens squad is: Mikhulu Hoboshe, Lucritia Magau (both Graeme College), Keyshaun Basson (Aliwal North), Darian Kramer (Westering High), Lthani Shoba, Mathew Els (both Pearson High), Meyer Prinsloo (Grey High), Damian Witbooi, Calestine Felkers, Rion Saaiman, Jeandré Verwey, and Rico van Leeuen (all Framesby High).
