Following an SA Cup season that saw them finish midtable, the EP Elephants are set to launch their 2025 Currie Cup First Division campaign against the Phangela SWD Eagles on Saturday, June 14, at Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coach Allister Coetzee, in a recent interview on Bay FM\u2019s Daron Mann Breakfast Show, expressed optimism about the team\u2019s preparations as they aim for the First Division title and, hopefully, a return to the Currie Cup Premier Division. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Following an SA Cup season that saw them finish midtable, the EP Elephants are set to launch their 2025 Currie Cup First Division campaign against the Phangela SWD Eagles on Saturday, 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The Elephants concluded their SA Cup campaign with four wins and five losses across nine matches, finishing seventh with 21 points. Despite missing the top four, they showcased attacking flair, scoring 35 tries, including a 41-15 win over the Border Bulldogs with seven tries.
Coetzee noted the challenges of transitioning to the First Division, with four players lost after the SA Cup. CJ Velleman, Jac van der Walt and JJ Scheepers have all returned to their home unions – Western Province, Griquas and the Pumas respectively – while Chris Humphries is unavailable due to work commitments.
\u201cPreparations are going well, but it\u2019s a bit different from the SA Cup,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have new players still settling in, but I\u2019m positive they\u2019ll be ready for the first game.\u201d Addressing the team\u2019s attack vs. defense balance, Coetzee emphasized maintaining their flair while bolstering defensive technique. \u201cAttack has always been our DNA\u2014we\u2019ve got more flair players than physical ones,\u201d he explained. \u201cBut defense is about attitude and technique. We\u2019re working hard on tackle entry to avoid yellow cards and aim to score four-plus tries while conceding fewer than four per game.\u201d
Off the field, Coetzee highlighted progress at the boardroom level, with talks of constitutional changes to attract investors. \u201cIt shows progress\u2014we need an equity partner to compete professionally and retain talent,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve presented my plan to the board, and it\u2019s up to them to make it happen financially. I\u2019m cautiously optimistic.\u201d
He also praised the appointment of the new General Manager, Mzi Mpofu, noting their aligned vision for the union\u2019s future.
The Currie Cup First Division features six teams\u2014EP Elephants, Phangela SWD Eagles, NovaVit Griffons, Leopards, Border Bulldogs, and Valke\u2014with the top four advancing to the semi-finals on July 19 and then the final on July 26.
The Elephants\u2019 fixtures are:
<\/strong>June 14: EP Elephants vs. Phangela SWD Eagles \u2013 Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha (15:00)
June 21: NovaVit Griffons vs. EP Elephants \u2013 Down Touch Investments Stadium, Welkom (15:00)
June 28: Leopards vs. EP Elephants \u2013 Glen Park, Potchefstroom (15:00)
July 5: EP Elephants vs. Border Bulldogs \u2013 Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha (15:00)
July 11: EP Elephants vs. Valke \u2013 Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha (15:00)
With three home games at Madibaz Stadium, the Elephants aim to harness home support. Coetzee urged fans to rally behind the team: \u201cWe need our supporters\u2019 energy\u2014let\u2019s fill Madibaz Stadium and make EP Rugby proud.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n