Bobbies target Super 14 glory

‘We are going there to win the trophy, no two ways about it,’ vows club president Mtunjani

East London Police go into the EC Super 14 rugby final against Kruisfontein with a twopronged mission — avenge Swallows’ defeat and continue with their unbeaten run.

The Bobbies take on Kruisfontein in a potentially explosive clash at the Sports Complex in Humansdorp on Saturday looking to win the trophy for the third time, having lifted the silverware in 2015 and 2019.

The all-conquering outfit enters the final enjoying red-hot form, having not lost a game since Ntlaza beat them in April 2022.

The run includes navigating through several competitions, with Saturday’s final hopefully the icing on the cake from their point of view.

Police president Bonga Mtunjani has already reserved a space in the cabinet for the trophy, underlining the confidence he has in his players.

“We are going there to win the trophy, no two ways about it,” he said.

Police laid out a blueprint to win the competition as early as November, starting by reinforcing the technical team with the addition of Lwazi Zangqa, while the playing squad was fortified by the acquisition of Hlomla Payi from Shimlas and Soso Mqalo.

The team retained the bulk of the playing squad ensuring consistency which has shone brightest in all the matches in the competition.

Mtunjani lamented the elimination of Mdantsane side Swallows by Kruisfontein in Tuesday’s semifinal, saying he had wanted the final to involve two Border teams for the first time.

“Since the competition started, no two Border teams have contested the final while EP has been able to take their teams to battle for the trophy,” he said.

“We would have loved to play the final against another Border team, but here we are now.”

While they will have to play the final away, Police are not concerned by the intimidating atmosphere, having arranged to transport their own supporters from East London.

Minibus taxis have been organised to transport supporters while others will use their cars to create a “home” atmosphere in Humansdorp.

Mtunjani commended their supporters for backing the team throughout the competition, saying they had provided them with an extra player.

“We could not have gone this far had it not been for our supporters, and on Saturday we want to reward them by winning the trophy,” he said.

While Kruisfontein will be playing in the final for the first time, they are not a closed book to Police, with the sides having played three times already and the East London outfit winning two.

“On Saturday, our good run against them will continue when it matters most.”

Standing in the Bobbies’ way, however, are an in-form Kruisfontein who have swept all before them during an equally impressive unbeaten run.

Kruisfonteincoach Frank Domingo says there will be no letting up on Saturday.

“The hunger for success drives the boys to put their bodies on the line for the club,” Domingo said.

“Our showing in reaching the final has really united the community, and the whole of Humansdorp and the Kouga region is behind the boys.

“It was emotional to see the crowd cheer on the team after winning the semifinal on Tuesday against Swallows.

“We will never underestimate the role these crowds in purple played for us in reaching the final.

“The performance of our team is really the talk of the town and everyone wants to be associated with the purple force.

“The support grows week after week and it helps with extra motivation for the players.” —

Since the competition started, no two Border teams have contested the final while EP has been able to take their teams to battle for the trophy