Boland’s Young Heroes Show Their Mettle at Craven Week
Sanlam Boland U18 rugby boys team (Boland) got their Craven Week campaign off to a rip-roaring start with a 41 – 21 win over Leopards U18 at Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp on Monday, 24 June. Two days later they followed it up with a resounding 34 – 20 victory over Border. As they prepared to make it three out of three, it was impossible to miss the connection they had with their fans who travelled from Boland, Western Cape.
Cheered on by a vocal contingent of die-hard fans, their wins are a fitting tribute to the team’s ability to create lasting memories with and for their fans across the country. With all the love, support and hard work the team won 35 -27 against Eastern Province on Saturday, 28 June.
“I’m privileged to have been able to come and see all the hard work pay off in person. What is wonderful about being so connected these days is that all the parents and fans in Touwsriver have been able to share this moment with me from my phone. My social media is full of messages and videos of people cheering the boys on at home,” said Kgomotso John Tsa-Batau, whose son Lohenzel is part of the team.
The pride of Boland
The team’s importance to the community of Boland was not lost on the coaching staff who beamed with pride at the opportunity to carry the region’s hopes on their shoulders.
“A few weeks back we got a hiding from South Western Districts (SWD) Eagles. To see the boys come back, react well to coaching and perform like they did at the Craven Week is incredibly encouraging. Not just for us and the boys but for everyone back home,” explained John Booysen, the team’s head coach.
Partnerships that drive connection
According to Booysen, establishing powerful partnerships is crucial for ensuring this continued success and putting the entire community in the best position to win.
“Coming from such a vast region, we need reliable partners who can help us bring these boys together and support them. Keeping them connected to the latest training resources, family and their support system is an important part of developing the chemistry they need to perform well. That is where having some of these sponsorships plays a crucial role,” Booysen continued.
Vuma, has become an integral part of Boland’s Craven Week story as one of the team’s sponsors. As a partner that prides itself on creating connected moments, the fibre network operator’s support of the team’s journey reflects its dedication to promoting goodwill through their ethos: “Because we can, we must.”
“Uplifting South African communities and empowering ordinary people to be extraordinary is in our DNA. Having the opportunity to support this young skilful Boland team which might one day produce individuals who’ll represent the country on a global rugby stage has been an honour. We are incredibly pleased with what this crop of young men have managed to achieve during the Craven Week, and like everyone back home, we are proud of them” said Lianne Williams, Marketing Director at Vuma.
Creating connected moments through sport
Few people know the connective power of sport like South Africans. From the Mandela-inspired ’97 win to last year when Siya Kolisi lifted the Webb Ellis Cup and made the Boks the most successful rugby team ever, nothing brings us together like a winning team. Boland Captain Luan Giliomee, also selected for the SA Schools A, expressed the pride he felt when digitally connecting with his community during this win.
“We are incredibly honoured to represent Boland and everyone at home on this stage. We know the huge amounts of love and support it has taken to get us here. The words of encouragement received through our various social media platforms, heartwarming videos, and messages popping up on our screens kept us connected with our loved ones. We could go onto the field knowing that there are people cheering for us back at home. We hope we can continue to make everyone at home proud,” he concluded he concluded.
Report sent from Tribeca
