Gqeberha belongs on the international stage and if EP rugby bosses rise to the occasion and deliver a spectacular Test between the Springboks and Italy on July 12, a golden era awaits the sport in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Starved of top rugby in recent years, Gqeberha finally has an opportunity to show the world it deserves to host Test matches regularly.
A series of debilitating power struggles among EP's divided rugby hierarchy is said to be the main reason the Bay was left sitting on the sidelines for so long.
EP rugby president George Malgas says SA Rugby's decision to award a Test to Gqeberha is proof the motherbody has faith in the union to deliver a memorable Test.
At one stage EP's standing within SA rugby was so low the Boks boycotted Gqeberha when they went on triumphant nationwide tour after winning the World Cup.
It was a slap in the face of a union which produced many of the Bok team's star players and coaching staff.
Those dark days, thankfully, are behind EP rugby and they have an opportunity to carve out a prosperous era under Malgas and his executive.
The Boks will arrive at least five days before the clash and this will allow Gqeberha's rugby-mad citizens to interact with their heroes.
The last time the Boks played in Gqeberha was in 2021 when they played back-to-back Tests against Argentina.
Those Tests were played behind closed doors because of the Covid-19 pandemic and they passed by without the usual buzz created by a Test.
This time men in green and gold will be backed by a fervent sell-out crowd of 46,000 fans who in the past have created an intimidating environment for visiting teams.
Malgas says his executive will work tirelessly over the next few months to ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day.
With a huge influx of fans expected in the days leading up to the clash, the Bay can expect a huge cash injection in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
It's time for Gqeberha to put its best foot forward and shine.
The Herald
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