Concerned Gardens rugby bosses have announced urgent plans to radically beef up crowd security at “Die Hok” ahead of Saturday’s Grand Challenge showdown against champions Kruisfontein United.
The moves were announced by Gardens president Johnny George in a letter to EP rugby’s general manager Mzi Mpofu after his team’s ill-fated Kariega derby against Progress was abandoned after a crowd invasion.
Gardens provided details of a major security revamp after concerned Kruisfontein president Vernon Breda expressed reservations about playing Saturday’s key match at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium.
EP president George Malgas said lessons must be learnt to ensure no repeat of the crowd invasion that marred the derby.
He said everyone had the right to feel safe at a rugby match and measures had to be put in place to ensure this happened.
In a letter, Gardens president George said: “We acknowledge receipt of the letter from Kruisfontein United Rugby Club dated June 22 2025, regarding the unfortunate incident that took place during the recent match between Gardens and Progress at the Derrick Ferreira Sports Field.
“First and foremost, we again express our deepest condolences to the family affected by the tragic incident.
“As Gardens Rugby Club, we are committed to ensuring community rugby remains a safe, inclusive, and celebratory environment for all.
“In response to the concerns raised, we wish to formally notify EPRU of the decisive steps taken by Gardens RFC to enhance match day safety and facility management.”
George went on to list the security plans.
“We have formally requested the presence of additional law enforcement from the South African Police Services for future high-profile fixtures.
“We have secured sponsorship to enclose the playing field with fencing.
“The fencing will be temporarily installed on match days and removed post-match to prevent theft.
“All entrances and exit gates at the Derrick Ferreira Sports Field will be opened during match days to allow for smoother crowd flow and emergency access.
“Vehicle boot checks will be implemented at all stadium entry points to prevent weapons or other prohibited items from being brought into the premises.
“Public media statements have been released emphasising that bad behaviour, pitch invasions, or any form of violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“These proactive measures are intended to address the safety and facility concerns in full, and we are confident they will enable us to host secure and enjoyable rugby matches for players, officials, and spectators alike.
“As a contingency, should we experience capacity concerns in the future, we will consider restricting attendance to home supporters only.
“However, current assessments do not indicate a need for this measure.
“We remain committed to working closely with EPRU and all clubs to uphold the integrity and safety of rugby in our region.
“Please be assured of our best intentions and continuous efforts to maintain the highest standards.”
In his letter, Breda said: “The Kruisfontein United executive committee wish to convey our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies with the family of the rugby supporter who tragically lost his life during the match between Gardens vs Progress.
“Indeed, this is a sad day for rugby, as sport is meant to bring communities together, provide social cohesion and not inflict harm, in this case, loss of life, on any member of our rugby communities.
“[The Kruisfontein club], through widespread social and print media, learnt of the issues raised about the inadequacy of match day player safety [uncordoned off playing field], player change rooms, public ablution facilities and emergency exits not properly functioning.
“This evidently reflects badly on Gardens RFC and raises many questions, such as if a safety plan [crowd control] was in place that could at least have prevented the continuous pitch invasions during the actual game, which exploded at the end, leading to the abrupt ending of the match prior to the normal conclusion time.
“It is our firm belief that these inadequacies have now become an accepted norm in EPRU Grand Challenge matches, noting that the situation is perpetuated by allowing other home teams to have their games played at fields with the same shortcomings.
“Kruisfontein, as a leading rugby brand ambassador for Kouga Sub Union and more so for EPRU, cannot risk the safety of our players and supporters or personal wellbeing at such venues.
“Our club overextend our financial resources to ensure complete safety, probably at the provincial level, to all our rugby patrons but especially our visiting team, management and supporters.
“We implore the EPRU to immediately intervene by declaring the Derrick Ferreira Sports Field and all other similar venues as unsafe and relocate all future home games, especially this venue that Gardens uses as their home ground, to a field that meets all the EPRU and Grand Challenge standards.”
The Herald
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