Eastern Cape Premier Ms Noxolo Kiviet says the EP Kings have surprised many pundits in their first appearance in the Super Rugby campaign and as such deserve to play in the Super Rugby next season. Premier Kiviet was speaking in Bhisho ahead of the EP Kings promotion – relegation playoff match against the MTN Lions which will be played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday.
“The team played exceptionally well for first timers, they adapted pretty quickly to the Super Rugby but you could see at times that they were new to the competition and that lack of experience affected the team. They deserve to have a second bite at it, and I am sure they will improve tremendously from this year’s performance,” said Premier Kiviet.
Premier Kiviet an avid sports fan, called on the people of the Eastern Cape to go to the stadium in numbers on Friday to support the EP Kings.
“Rugby fans and ordinary citizens of our province, especially those who live in the Nelson Mandela Metro and surrounding communities should be the sixteenth men for our team on Friday. They should go there to lift our team through their voices, passionate support and enthusiasm which they have demonstrated throughout this year. It is our interest that the EP Kings should stay in the Super Rugby because that will open doors for all rugby players in our province to play at the highest level and increase their chances of donning the Springbok jersey, which the ultimate stage that any player should strive for,” said Premier Kiviet.
Premier Kiviet said on Thursday she will visit the team and reassure them about the support of the entire people of this province. “They must know that they carry the high hopes of over 6 million people and the entire population of this province will be with them throughout the 80 minutes. All they have to do is to give 110 percent on the field of play like true warriors.
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