The Limpopo Blue Bulls senior amateur team scored a well-deserved 42–35 victory in their international friendly against the Kenya Simbas last week – in part thanks to a couple of Louis Trichardt rugby players.
The Limpopo Blue Bulls locked horns with the Kenya Simbas in Mookgophong on Thursday, 26 June. The local boys had everything to play for after suffering a 59–26 defeat against Uganda at Hoërskool Nylstroom in Modimolle on Saturday, 21 June.
The Louis Trichardt Rugby Club features six players in the 30-man squad selected for the Limpopo Blue Bulls senior amateur team. The six players are David Mandiwana (loosehead prop), Lindo Dladla (tighthead prop), Jayden de Gama (lock), Rikus Nel (lock), Louis Fourie (scrumhalf), and Rasenge Kubayi (outside centre). In addition to the players, two members of Louis Trichardt's coaching staff were also called up: Lukas Visser as assistant coach and Stefan Swanepoel as team manager.
During the 21 June match, the Louis Trichardt players had already proven their worth, with Kubayi contributing 10 points from two tries to Limpopo's 26. As for last Thursday's game, no local players were among the scorers, but that did not mean they did not shine.
"Nobody scored points, but Jayden de Gama played a very good game. Our two props, David and Lindo, also performed well, outscrumming the opposition. Rikus also had a good game after coming on in the second half. All our replacement players performed," said Louis Trichardt Rugby Club chairman Brian du Plooy.
The win over the Kenya Simbas was significant for the Limpopo Bulls, especially considering that the Simbas had drawn their game against the SWD Eagles in a training match in Mossel Bay on 3 June. With this in mind, the Limpopo Blue Bulls management believes the team can definitely add value to a competition like the Currie Cup First Division. Last Thursday's game brought an end to Kenya's tour.
For now, Du Plooy said, there are no upcoming games scheduled for the Limpopo Blue Bulls' senior team. "There is a possible game against Zimbabwe, but nothing has been finalised," he said.
Locally, rugby lovers can look forward to two games on Saturday, 5 July, at the Louis Trichardt Rugby Club, when the town's first team takes on Letaba and the third team faces their opponents from the University of Limpopo.
"Next Saturday, 12 July, promises lekker local rugby, with all three of our teams hosting Northam," said Du Plooy.