EP have a golden opportunity to show they are a team on the rise when the Currie Cup First Division rugby competition kicks off on Saturday.
Unlike the recently completed SA Cup, where the odds were heavily stacked against them, the Elephants will be pitted against teams with similarly modest budgets in the First Division.
While expectations of success were low in the SA Cup, fans expect the Elephants to be a dominant force in the First Division.
EPs opening match is against the SWD Eagles at the Madibaz Stadium on Saturday, and the men in red-and-black hoops are determined to kick off their campaign on a winning note.
Elephants coach Allister “Toetie” Coetzee made the point that the playing field had not been level for the Elephants when they came up against fully fledged professional teams like the Pumas, Cheetahs and Griquas in the SA Cup.
The Griffons and Falcons are looming as EPs biggest rivals in the First Division, and they will have to overcome these hurdles if they want to lift the trophy.
Though winning the First Division tournament does not offer a route to promotion to the top-tier Currie Cup Premier Division, EP will be determined to send out a message that they are not a team to be taken lightly.
New champions in the First Division will be crowned after the 2023 and 2024 winners, Boland, were promoted to the Premier Division.
The Bolanders successfully defended their First Division title in 2024 when they beat EP in a tense final in Wellington.
The 2022 champions, the Griffons, will rejoin the First Division fray in 2025 after a few years in the Premier Division.
Three of EP’s five First Division games will be played in Gqeberha and they will be keen to make full use of home-ground advantage against the SWD Eagles, Border Bulldogs and Falcons.
EP’s mood has also been lifted in recent weeks after president George Malgas said efforts were being made to acquire an equity partner.
If a partner comes on board, EP will be able to boost their squad with additional good players in 2026.
It’s time for the Elephants to seize the moment and put silverware in their trophy cabinet.
The Herald
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