● Officials aim to turn region into a powerhouse again, says Gouws
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Published in The Herald (South Africa) on 11 Feb 2025
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George Byron
Picture: FREDLIN ADRIAANUP FOR THE CHALLENGE: NMU Madibaz loose forward Avuyile Kwinana on attack during an EPRU Grand Challenge Top 12 match against Hankey Villagers at the campus
The two parties had a fruitful two-hour meeting last week where several issues were discussed on how to make the best use of the region’s resources.
Two top priorities are getting EP promoted to the Currie Cup Premier Division and ensuring the Madibaz win promotion to the Varsity Cup.
EP kicked off their Currie Cup First Division season against the Falcons on March 8, and the Madibaz start their Varsity Shield campaign against Varsity College in Durban on Friday.
“We had a great meeting which lasted about two hours and we are going to work together,” Gouws said.
“EP president George Malgas and executive member Phillip Joseph were present and NMU were represented by coach David Manuel, our full executive and myself.
“If we have a strong NMU team then we also have a strong EP side.
“A lot of very positive things came out of our meeting with EP.
“This is the biggest province with the most clubs and we need to turn it into a powerhouse.
“The strategies and issues over fixtures and the holidays of students were discussed and It was a fantastic meeting.
“We are going to work together to create a better EPRU.
“The matter of bursaries came up and we explained about ages and how it works.
“About 35 new bursaries have already been offered by NMU and accepted.
“Our coach, David Manuel, who has a level 4 qualification, is working closely together with EP coach Allister Coetzee and they are on the same page.
“We are still in discussions about whether some of our team will play for EP after the Varsity Cup and there will be more meetings.
“Our forwards coach, Trichard van Tonder, is coaching the EP Elephants forwards.
“There is unity between us and we are moving forward.
“From our side, EP answered each and every question we had and we answered their questions as to working together and making EP a powerhouse in SA rugby again.”
Gouws said the Madibaz had high hopes of success in the Varsity Shield this year.
“We will field a young team mixed with a little bit of experience which is wonderful,” he said.
“At the meeting, we discussed the process of losing players to other unions and that was a big discussion point.
“It is very important that the Madibaz gain promotion to the Varsity Cup, and the coaches have a lot of pressure on them.
“The vibe in the Madibaz camp is excellent ahead of kickoff.
“We start on Friday against Varsity College. which is basically the Sharks, so it will be EP versus the Sharks.
“I think all the teams will provide tough opposition for us because all the Shield teams are competitive.
“If you drop one game then you are in trouble.
“You need to listen to Jake White [former Bok coach] when he says if you want to win the World Cup you need to win all seven games.
“In the Varsity Shield, you need to end top to automatically qualify for promotion.
“We started on a journey two years ago to fix the Madibaz and everything is now in place.
“It will be awesome to see us going through the Varsity Cup.”
Madibaz fixtures: Friday vs Varsity College (away), February 21 vs Fort Hare (home), February 28 vs KZN (away), March 7 vs Western Cape (away), March 14 vs Walter Sisulu (away), March 21 vs Sol Plaatje (home), March 28 vs Cape Penisula University of Technology (home).
April 4: Semifinals. April 11: Final.