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Local manufacturer partners with Blue Bulls

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Blue Bulls Bakkie
Local manufacturer partners with Blue Bulls

South Africa’s bakkie specialists, Isuzu, announced yesterday that they have partnered with the Vodacom Blue Bulls Rugby team as the official vehicle partner for the next three years. The sponsorship applies to both the Absa Currie Cup and the Vodacom SupeRugby tournaments.

To celebrate the partnership of two of the most recognised brands in the country, Vodacom Bulls players and members of the media were invited to experience the Isuzu KB’s off-road abilities at the home-base of the Isuzu Off-Road Academy, the Gerotek Vehicle Testing Facility outside Pretoria on Thursday.

Speaking at the sponsorship announcement event, Isuzu Brand Manager Mlungisi Nonkonyana said, “Isuzu has been manufacturing the legendary KB bakkie at our plant in Port Elizabeth for the last 34 years. With over half a million vehicles sold in that time, our success has come as a result of the passion with which we approach building the KB and the relentless drive to make our vehicles the toughest and most durable on South African roads. We recognize this same “can do” attitude in the Vodacom Bulls with their unmatched three Vodacom SupeRugby titles.”

Blue Bulls Company (BBCo) chief executive Barend van Graan said the Isuzu sponsorship will give the union some traction as they go in search of silverware in the 2015 season.

“The soon to be launched 2015 Vodacom SupeRugby season Bulls jersey will feature the iconic Isuzu logo. This is a natural partnership for our two brands as rugby and bakkies have been an integral part of the South African way of life for generations. The Isuzu KB is known for its toughness and durability and we are delighted to have Isuzu as the official vehicle partner to the Vodacom Bulls,” said van Graan.

The sponsorship includes a financial injection which will assist the union to remain at the cutting-edge of the sport in South Africa as well as Isuzu KB bakkies to be used in the union’s day-to-day running of its rugby programmes.

Vodacom Bulls squad members for the 2015 Vodacom SupeRugby season had the opportunity to take the KB through its paces at the event. Ably guided by Isuzu Off-Road Academy instructors, the players demonstrated they were as comfortable behind the wheel of an Isuzu KB as they are with the ball in hand at Loftus on a Saturday afternoon.

“We look forward to being part of the Bulls family and their passionate fans. I have no doubt that this partnership will be beneficial to both brands and should offer some exciting opportunities for Bulls fans to experience the Isuzu brand,” said Nonkonyana.

The sponsorship will come to life during the 2015 Vodacom SupeRugby season and will not only reward Vodacom Bulls supporters but also Isuzu owners.

The sponsorship will open up opportunities for exciting activities with Bulls fans as well as Isuzu customers over the next three years.

More exciting activations will be rolled out during the season which include visits to the GM factory in Port Elizabeth.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.