The EP Kings team that will take on the Border Bulldogs in their next ABSA Currie Cup First Division clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday evening and will be looking to build on the momentum of their 44-18 win against the Valke in Brakpan last week Friday.
EP Kings head coach, David Maidza, said he was happy with the team selection, despite a number of players being out due to injury, and was sure that they would be able to give a good performance against Border.
Maidza said the team would once again be captained by Mpho Mbiyozo, who played his fiftieth match for the EP Kings against the Valke last week, where he also secured a hat trick of tries.
“Ntabeni Dukisa moves to fullback, as he is more comfortable there, while Sergeal Petersen gets a chance to start on the wing, having had some game time now after coming back from his hamstring injury,” said Maidza.
Maidza said Siyanda Grey also returned to the squad, having recovered from his knee injury, while Tiger Mangweni returns to the field at 12, having been rested last week.
“Marlou van Niekerk gets a chance to play at flyhalf. Whenever he has played for the team, he has played very well and this is a good opportunity for him to step up in the position,” said Maidza.
Looking at the forward pack, Maidza said that Marzuq Maarman would take the position of loosehead prop, following the release of Ross Geldenhys and an injury that Jaco Engels had sustained to his ankle. Brendan Olivier also misses the game due to a concussion.
“Marzuq comes from the Kings academy and is highly rated and has trained with the Vodacom Cup squad in the past, so it will be interesting to see what he can deliver,” said Maidza.
Another Academy player who might get his first provincial debut up front is Enoch Mnyaka, who joins the team on the bench.
Thembelani Bholi moves to the starting lineup, after Stephan Willemse has been withdrawn following a wrist injury sustained during the game against the Valke.
“Stefan Zaayman gets another chance at eighth man, after having a really good game last week, while Samora Fihlani and Wayne van Heerden also keep their spots,” said Maidza.
Maidza said the team were hoping to maintain the momentum from last week’s game and were looking to break the streak of home losses.
“We realise that supporters don’t want to keep watching their team lose at home, and we will be doing our best on Friday to break that losing streak,” he said.
Maidza said Border was always tough competition, but said he believed the team were up for the challenge.
“Our focus now is to get to the top of the log and make sure we finish the round robin stage with wins from here on in,” he said.
EP Kings Team to play Bulldogs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth – Friday 9 August 2013
- Starting Lineup: 15. Ntabeni Dukisa, 11. Michael Killian, 13. Siyanda Grey, 12. Siyabonga Mangweni, 14. Sergeal Petersen, 10. Marlou van Niekerk, 9. Yusuf “Boela” Abrahams, 1. Marzuq Maarman, 2. Albie de Swardt, 3. Lizo Gqoboka, 6. Thembelani Bholi, 4. Samora Fihlani, 5. Wayne van Heerden, 7. Mpho Mbiyozo (Captain), 8. Stefan Zaayman
- Replacements: 16. Boetie Britz, 17. Enoch Mnyaka, 18. Thabo Mamojele, 19. Kuselo Moyake, 20. Kayle van Zyl, 21. Wayne Stevens, 22. Brian Skosana
Alan Straton
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