Determined to live up to its proud reputation of being Gqeberha's flagship township club rugby team, Kwaru are gunning to regain their former glory by winning promotion to the Grand Challenge Top 12 competition, general manager Sibulelo Fati says.
Kwaru are currently campaigning in the lower Middle 12 Division, but a strong start to the 2025 season has raised hopes of a much-anticipated return to the top tier.
Led by captain Athenkosi Matsolo, Kwaru are among the leading clubs on the log, and big crowds have been flocking to the Dan Qeqe Stadium in Zwide to cheer their heroes in their bid for promotion.
Kwaru kept their hopes of promotion alive when they beat log leaders Jeffreys Bay 31-22 at the Dan Qeqe Stadium on Saturday.
Fati says there are a number of reasons for Kwaru's resurgence in EP club rugby.
“The acquisition of a new technical team, recruitment of quality players and effective management of the club have been key elements in our success,” he said.
“We aim to finish top of the Middle 12 log and to be promoted to the Grand Challenge Top 12 and qualify for the Eastern Cape Super 14 tournament.
“Kwaru is the flagship of township rugby due to its historical background in terms of nurturing young talent from various townships to become better players.
“The club has produced several Springboks [men and women] and provincial players over the years.
“Kwaru has got a rich history in terms of township rugby development, producing high-quality former and current players and administrators.”
Fati said Kwaru have a solid all-round game, which has helped them win matches in the Middle 12 division.
“Kwaru like to dominate play with frontline players, dominate set pieces, and finish up with the backline players,” he said.
“We play our home games at Dan Qeqe Stadium and support is received from Zwide and the surrounding areas.
“Most of our players are recruited from nearby schools and then nurtured by the club.
“Rugby has now become the most popular sport in the township, and this can be attested by the large number of supporters we attract on match days.
“This plays a significant role in taking away kids from the streets and substance abuse.
“The club is faced with various challenges.
“There is a lack of training, playing resources and also poor facilities.
“The field is not in good condition (no lights, no water, no ablution facilities, poor boundary wall and uneven playing field).
“Also, there is no funding to transport players to attend training and games.
“The majority of club members are unemployed, thus we depend on a few individuals for support.
“There is an inability to acquire necessary club attire (tracksuits and other relevant clothing).”
Fati said Kwaru are an ambitious club and seek to play an important role in the development of township rugby.
“But the resources to achieve such an objective are very limited, and most of its members are unemployed; thus, we are calling for businesses and sponsors to come on board and support our initiative,” he said.
“The club's morale has also been boosted by the acquisition of sponsors Universal Equipment, who have been assisting he club for more than 10 years.
“Then there is the Dan and Rose Qeqe Foundation [grandchildren of Dan Qeqe], who sponsor the club with playing jerseys, and Furnworld International, which sponsored the club with golf shirts.
“A strong coaching panel has been assembled to drive Kwaru's bid for success.
“It comprises Zolani Mati (head coach), Unathi Makasi (first assistant coach), Anathi Mayo (second assistant) and Lamla Momoti (conditioning coach).
“Other key club members are Mzwanele Ngokro (president), Sibulele Fati (men's manager), Noluthando Makunga (women's manager), Thembinkosi Ntsimango (kit manager), Mzukisi Klaas and Mishack Phillip (facility managers) and Siphiwo Blade Ngora (first aid officer).”
The expanded 36-team three-tier Grand Challenge format of Top 12, Middle 12 and Bottom 12 divisions has ensured a high level of competitiveness.
There is promotion and relegation between all three Grand Challenge divisions and the top two Adams Cup teams have been given the incentive of promotion to the 12-team Grand Challenge bottom division.
After a lengthy debate in 2023, it was agreed by clubs that the Grand Challenge would be expanded from 32 to 36 clubs, with 12 teams competing in each of the three sections.
The Herald
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