Kruisfontein United are determined to make some noise in 2026, and they will be giving it their all when they face Robertson at the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup (EPCC) Easter tournament in George on Thursday, coach Frank Domingo says.
The Humansdorp outfit have been one of EP’s standout teams in the Score Energy Drink Grand Challenge Top 12 competition in recent years, and they are desperate to make their mark on the national stage.
“Our preparations for the Patel tournament have been going well, and we have been doing skills and conditioning training,” Domingo said.
“Kruisfontein wants to be contenders, and we have a solid squad, and we are looking to make some noise in 2026.
“The boys are looking sharp and hungry, and we are aiming for a good showing in George.
“A convincing win over Jeffreys Bay in our opening Grand Challenge Top 12 match two weeks ago was a good confidence booster, and the team have been working well together.”
“Because we did not take part in the EC Super 14 tournament, we kept the wheels turning by playing in the Kouga Interim Cup.
“That worked well for us, and we have done some work on our game plan, and the lads have been putting in the hard yards.
“We are ready for any challenge in George.”
Domingo said planning for the Patel tournament had gone well, and the players were itching to get out onto the field for their opening game against Robertson.
“It is crucial for us to shine on the national stage because we want to show the rugby world what Kruisfontein is all about,” he said.
“George is a big stage, and we are going to give it our all. Our main strengths are our solid pack and our backs, who are flying at the moment.
“We have a group of young players coming through, and we got experience and pace to count on. If Kruisfontein play to our potential, we can beat anyone,” Domingo said.
“The support from our community has been amazing, and now we are ready to get onto the field in George. We can’t wait to see what the season brings.”
Kruisfontein captain Solomon Manxodidi said: “The support of the crowd gives us energy to dig deeper, run harder, and tackle stronger.
“We play for our community, our families, and everyone back home. That pride gives us the fire to leave everything on the field.”
The tournament has secured a landmark broadcasting agreement with SABC Sport and Heritage Broadcasting Network, which is a significant milestone for community rugby in SA rugby.
The broadcasting partnership represents a breakthrough moment for grassroots rugby, with the tournament now set to receive comprehensive national coverage, including live match broadcasts.
“This partnership represents a breakthrough for community rugby. Our players now have a national platform, and our clubs will gain meaningful exposure that supports long-term sustainability,” tournament director Romano Lekay said.
The agreement establishes EPCC as one of South Africa’s premier community rugby showcases, providing unprecedented visibility for participating clubs and players.
- Follow The Herald WhatsApp channel today and stay connected to the stories shaping our world.
The Herald






Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.